Aberrations by troops cannot be allowed to become norm: PM

Srinagar, May 25 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said there were ''aberrations'' by the security forces while dealing with militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, but asserted that troops have been asked to bring the human rights violations to a zero level.

''Our armed forces are not occupational forces. They are here to protect the lives, liberty and freedom of the people. I have instructed the security forces to be more mindful of human rights and be sensitive to the liberties and self-respect of ordinary people,'' the Prime Minister told a news conference here.

However, Dr Singh admitted that some aberrations do take place.

''It does happen. I cannot deny that sometimes aberrations do take place, but these cannot be allowed to become a norm. There should be a zero tolerance for human rights violations is the instruction given to the security forces from the government,'' he added.

The Prime Minister said specific directions have been given to the security forces to bring human rights violation to a zero level.

''The security forces have been asked to ensure that no damage is caused to the innocents while combating militancy,'' he added.

Dr Singh said the presence of security forces would automatically get reduced when the militancy comes to an end in the state.

''It is our collective responsibility to create an atmosphere where the people of the state can be free from the fear of oppression and militant activities and can lead normal lives like their fellow countrymen,'' he added.

The Prime Minister said the Centre would support the Jammu and Kashmir government to strengthen the local police -- both in numbers and materially -- if required to achieve peace in the state.

UNI AG VD HT1938