AFSPA to stay till situation improves: Antony

New Delhi, Dec 18: Defence Minister AK Antony has said that the hated Armed Force Special Powers Act ( AFSPA) will remain in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast as it is necessary to combat terrorism and extremists in the regions.

"As long as the armed forces presence is necessary, they need special provisions. They cannot function without special powers," Antony said.

Antony said the AFSPA will be repealed once there are signs of improvement in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast.

AFSPA has been viewed as a draconian law by people from Northeast and those in Jammu and Kashmir due to gross human rights violation done by armed forces in the guise of AFSPA.

Irom Sharmila, human rights activist in Manipur has been on indefinite hunger strike for the last 10 years in protest.

OneIndia News