Antony asks Army to ensure non-violation of human rights

New Delhi, Dec 18 (ANI): Defence Minister AK Antony today asked the top brass of the Armed Forces to ensure that there is no violation of human rights at any level.

Delivering the key note address at a seminar on 'Internal Security: Duties and Obligations in upholding human rights', Antony said, though cases of human rights violations by security forces have been rare, even a single instance of human rights violation is totally unacceptable.

While conceding that there was need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for effective action by the Armed Forces, Antony asked them to ensure that the special provisions of AFSPA are not put to any misuse.

He said he would not hesitate taking stern action against the guilty in case of any misuse. We must adopt the policy of 'Zero Tolerance' in letter and spirit towards any instance of Human Rights Violations", he added.

He said the ideology of human rights advocates human dignity and recognition that every human being is born equal and entitled to basic rights of a human being.

He said terror in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast and left wing extremism in certain pockets require continuance of dedicating time, resource and efforts. The situation is further complicated due to external support to perpetrators.

'One of the major challenges of the security forces is to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. In the process of combating terrorism, they may run the risk of being dubbed as authoritarian,' Antony added. (ANI)