Army wants AFSPA continuation in JK: Lt Gen Parnaik

Srinagar: Against the recent clamour in mainstream political circles in Jammu and Kashmir, army on Saturday reiterated that it wants continuation of controversial Armed Forces Special Forces Act in the state.
“As far as the Army’s stand on revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, we have recommended its continuation in view of the situation in the State and the special requirements it entails,” Lieutenant General KT Parnaik, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Army’s northern command, told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
He was responding to the query on about recommendations by army to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“After giving recommendations (to the Chief Minister), we have not heard anything about this issue as yet.”
In the backdrop of last year’s summer unrest, the government had formed two committees to review the applicability of AFSPA in the state. The committees were headed by General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar based 15 Corps and General Officer Commanding of Nagorta-based 16 Corps.
China-Pakistan Collaboration
Terming the China-Pakistan collaboration as “worrying”, he said, “There are people in Pakistan (administered) Kashmir and Northern Areas who they claim to be engineers and other such workforce. Whether they are People’s Liberation Army we cannot comment. It is widely known that China is helping
Pakistan like building road from Khunjerab Pass to Gwadar Port or infrastructure projects like dams very close to the Line of Control.  The two countries also have a deep collaboration in weapon delivery and development.”
To a query about China’s infrastructure development and reported intrusions along the Line of Actual Control, he said, “The use of the word intrusion is erroneous.  They come to the area that they perceive as their own and we also do the same.  These should be termed transgressions and not intrusions.  However, regular border meetings are conducted to ensure that no mishaps take place.  As far as infrastructure is concerned, we are also making concerted efforts to improve our own as their infrastructure development does give them a certain military capability”.
On the situation in Pakistan post the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the Army Commander said that Pakistan, “in order to divert media and world attention after the killing may push infiltrators.”
Rehabilitation Police for Youth in Pak
Welcoming the Government’s policy to rehabilitate youth wanting to return from Pakistan, Lt Gen Parnaik said that that “this would expose Pakistan’s complicity in sponsoring militancy and call its bluff of providing only moral and diplomatic support.”
About the situation in the state, he said that it has improved over the last few years.  “There are now approximately 450 to 500 residual militants in the State.  However this number is fluctuating and putting an exact figure is difficult.  With the late melting of snow, there are unverified reports of infiltration along the traditional routes.  It is expected that in the coming weeks, efforts at infiltration would increase, but we are prepared,” he said as per a correspondent.  The Army commander was speaking on sidelines of the two-day “Army Mela” being held at the Regimental Centre of Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry which was presided over the Governor N N Vohra.