Dear Editor,
The army has staged many a successful counter-militancy operation in Jammu and Kashmir with adequate legal cover provided under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. No doubt, there have been some incidents of human rights violations which have alienated the local people. Though the army personnel found guilty have been severely punished, the controversial Act has received widespread criticism from several quarters, including the UN, advocating its revocation or withdrawal from at least some parts of the state.
But given Pak-sponsored cross-border terrorism and extremist violence, the prevailing situation is not conducive for doing so. However, the leadership in New Delhi should revamp the Central and State Police forces so that they can assert themselves and maintain law and order as and when the security scenario starts
improving.
H. S Pathania
Udhampur
