Trying to build consensus on AFSPA

There is a statement of the Prime Minister that we will replace the AFSPA with a more humane Act. And we are trying to build a consensus around that, he added.

AFSPA,which gives powers to armed forces to detain or kill on suspicion,is strongly resented by certain groups in areas where it is imposed. Currently,it is in force in Jamp;K and parts of Northeast. The armed forces are opposed to the withdrawal of AFSPA,arguing that such powers are needed for maintaining law and order in these areas.

Chidambaram said the Cabinet was,however,united in asking the Jamp;K government to review application of the Disturbed Areas Act in some specific parts of the state. If the state withdraws the Disturbed Areas Act from these places,AFSPA would automatically go. I am in regular touch with the Jamp;K Chief Minister over this issue, he said.

On the Rajiv Gandhi assassination convicts moving court after their mercy pleas were rejected by the President,the minister said there are precedents of people taking to such recourse. There have been cases where after the decision of the President,people have gone to courts. I know of two particular cases,one in Assam and the other in Delhi recently, he said.