Removing AFSPA in Kashmir is like sending soldiers to the gallows: Modi

SRINAGAR, (PTK): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday summarily dismissed any talk of repealing the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Kashmir, likening the removal of AFSPA from the Valley to “sending our soldiers to the gallows.”

During an interview with News18, when asked if Modi government would then work towards a time-bound withdrawal of AFSPA in Kashmir, Modi it was best that conditions did not exist for imposition of AFSPA in the first place. “First, we must create an environment where AFSPA is unnecessary, like we did in Arunachal Pradesh. We removed it from a few districts. We then removed it from some states. We were the first to take such a step since 1980. But we have maintained law and order. The government must have the power to protect its armed forces. Only then will they have the morale to fight. Removing AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir is the same as sending our soldiers to the gallows. I will never let this happen to our soldiers,” he said.