Srinagar, Mar 16, KNT: Reacting strongly to Army Chief Gen. Bikram Singh’s remarks on the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, the State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday asserted that the Army should refrain from making statements on policy matters that lie beyond its institutional mandate.
In a sharply-worded statement, the CPI(M) noted that the Army is entrusted with the critical role of safeguarding national sovereignty, but that does not extend to commenting on policy decisions, particularly those related to democratic governance and civilian administration.
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“The issue of AFSPA’s revocation falls squarely within the purview of the elected government. It is unfortunate that political inaction in New Delhi has created a space where the Army feels compelled to make public pronouncements on sensitive policy issues,” the CPI(M) State Committee observed.
The party reiterated its long-standing demand that the Jammu and Kashmir government must initiate a resolution in the Legislative Assembly calling for the repeal of AFSPA, stating that the CPI(M) would fully support such a move.
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Highlighting the marked decline in militancy, infiltration, and overall security threats, the CPI(M) said that prevailing conditions in the region justify a re-evaluation of AFSPA’s continued enforcement. “The improved security situation demands a fresh and democratic reassessment of draconian laws like AFSPA,” the statement read.
Calling for a civilian-led policy approach, the CPI(M) urged the central government to take into account the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and act accordingly, rather than allowing military perspectives to dominate matters of civil liberty and political process. [KNT]
