In response to the reported torture and death of three civilians near the site of a militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi expressed deep concern and criticized the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for allegedly enabling custodial violence. The incident, which occurred on December 22 following an attack by militants resulting in the death of five soldiers and injuries to two, has raised questions about the impact of AFSPA in the region.
Taking to social media, Owaisi called the killing of the three men horrifying and asserted that compensation by the government is insufficient. He stated, “AFSPA in Kashmir emboldens such custodial violence and torture. The culprits need to be investigated and punished under civilian laws.”
Addressing party workers, Owaisi expressed broader concerns about the situation in Kashmir. He highlighted the recent attack on forces, emphasizing that such an incident hadn’t occurred since 1991. The AIMIM president questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assertions about the improvement in the region post the repeal of Article 370 and demonetization, stating that unfortunately, dialogue has replaced effective national security measures.
Owaisi’s call for a civilian investigation into the custodial deaths aligns with ongoing discussions about the impact and efficacy of AFSPA in conflict zones, particularly in addressing human rights concerns. The incident has once again brought attention to the complex dynamics surrounding security measures in the region.
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