The government Thursday said controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be revoked in the State only after conducting a critical review of the security situation.
“The need and desirability of revocation of AFSPA in various areas of the state require critical review of the security situation and other relevant factors,” Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, informed Legislative Council in a written reply to clubbed questions of legislators Shehnaz Ganai, Showkat Hussain Ganai and Bashir Ahmad Veeri.
She said Disturbed Areas Act (DAA), which was enacted in 1997 had been revoked in October 1998. However, AFSPA is still in operation in various districts.
The government further informed the legislators that about 240 persons have been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) and Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic and Drugs Act in J&K during last two years. “153 persons have already been released”.
“The PSA detentions included 69 in 2014, 94 in 2015 and 77 in 2016 (till June 12),” the government said adding 1075 FIRs have been lodged during the period.
According to government, 182 persons were detained under PSA in 2010.
“However, all of them were released after completion/ quashment/ revocation of detention term up to ending 2014,” it said.
AFSPA revocation possible after critical security review: Govt
