Srinagar, March 16, KNT: The CPI(M) State Committee on Saturday took exception to remarks made by then Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh regarding the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Army should refrain from commenting on policy matters.
In a statement issued to KNT, the Committee said the Army is mandated to safeguard the sovereignty of the country and should avoid public statements on issues that fall within the domain of the government. It observed that political disinterest at the Centre was creating space for the Army to comment on sensitive policy matters.
The Committee maintained that the question of revoking AFSPA is a political decision that must be addressed by elected representatives. It urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to bring a resolution in the Legislative Assembly seeking revocation of the Act, assuring full support from CPI(M) for its passage.
Referring to the prevailing security situation, the party said that infiltration had declined, militancy had decreased and the overall security environment had improved, making it necessary for the Government of India to reconsider continuation of AFSPA in the state. [KNT]
