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Last year, the Government appointed a committee to look into provisions of AFSPA under the chairmanship of Justice Jeevan Reddy which advocated dissolution of this law but including key provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (ULPA). However, the government concluded that the ULPA was applicable throughout the nation and not meant to deal with extraordinary situations such as the NE where the Army needs "indemnity" to deal with insurrection often supported by foreign regimes or operating from neighboring countries. Instead, they have now decided to eliminate the "worst aspects" of the law to make it more benign. Apparently, Singh has given up trying to replace AFPSA with "more humane" laws.
Sustained opposition by the Defense has stopped such political meddling. While it is important that there be a due process in dealing with civilians, border line terrorists, or those colluding with terrorists, the Army has also have to deal with political interference and manipulation at the local level.
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