After Sri Lanka now India in trouble,UN asks to repeal AFSPA

United Nations, Mar 31: It seems that after Sri Lanka, now India has fallen in the hawk eyes of United Nations and the country (India) may face similar situation like Sri Lanka if it (India) does not follow the instruction given by the UN.

Emphasising on the democracy prevailing in the nation, the UN on Saturday, Mar 31 asked India to repeal the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which empowers Indian military and soldiers to tackle militants with massive power in the terror dominated region in the country, especially in Kashmir and the North-East states of India.

"Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has become a 'symbol of excessive state power' and 'has no role to play in a democracy'," said Christof Heyns, UN's Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial.

Heyns, stating about his experience in Kashmir, said, "During my visit to Kashmir, AFSPA was described to me as 'hated' and 'draconian'. It clearly violates International Law. A number of UN treaty bodies have pronounced it to be in violation of International Law as well."

"The main finding in my report is that despite constitutional guarantees and robust human rights jurisprudence, extrajudicial killings continue in India and it is a matter of serious concern," Heyns continued as informing about his report.

"India also should ratify a number of international treaties, including the Convention Against Torture and the International Convention for the Protection of All persons from Enforced Disappearance," the official added.

However, it seems that finally Irom Sharmila's voice reached UN. Sharmila had her last voluntary meal on Nov 4, 2000. She started her agitation to repeal the AFSPA which gives power and rights to Indian soldiers and military to arrest suspected militants without a warrant and to shoot anyone suspected of being a rebel.

Citing the current situation of India, Sri Lanka might be overwhelmed as India recently cast its vote against Sri Lanka over a US moved UN resolution.

India is one among the 24 nations who cast vote to pressurise Sri Lanka to start an investigation over their alleged war crimes on the LTTE cadres during the 26-year-old civil war.

OneIndia News