SRINAGAR: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has said that while the revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir is a possibility, the current security situation does not support its removal.
Speaking at the India Today Conclave, General Dwivedi said that AFSPA could be withdrawn once the Army is confident that local law enforcement can effectively handle security challenges. He pointed to regions like Doda, Rajouri, and Kishtwar, where stability is improving, with efforts underway to promote tourism through bed-and-breakfast accommodations and the increased use of the Mughal Road.
However, he acknowledged a recent surge in militant activity, which has led to the deployment of 15,000 additional troops. He emphasised that any decision on AFSPA’s removal would be taken jointly by the local administration, the Union Home Ministry, and the Defence Ministry, based on ground realities. (KNT)
