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``Revoke Army's special powers''

Luv Puri

"Situation in the State has improved"

Jammu: Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary Mohammad Yosuf Tarigami on Wednesday said that the special powers vested in the Army in Jammu and Kashmir should be immediately revoked in the larger interests of the people.

Speaking in the Assembly here on Wednesday, Mr. Tarigami said that owing to militancy the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act was made applicable. Under the Act, passed in July 1990, security force personnel enjoy extraordinary powers, including the authority to shoot down suspected lawbreakers and those disturbing peace, and destroy structures suspected to harbour militants or stock arms.

He said since the situation had improved, as claimed by the State Government, it was time to do away with the Special Powers vested in the Army. This would cement the peace process, he said.

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``Revoke Army's special powers''

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