Srinagar, March 8: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has stated that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is not conducive for the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
Speaking at a media conclave organized by a New Delhi-based television channel, General Dwivedi said that the decision to revoke AFSPA would be taken collectively by the Union Home and Defence Ministries in consultation with the local government.
“It will take its own time,” he remarked, acknowledging the possibility of revocation but emphasizing that the timeline remains uncertain.
While discussing the security situation, General Dwivedi noted that areas like Doda, Rajouri, and Kishtwar have shown improvement, to the extent that tourism infrastructure such as “bed and breakfast” accommodations could be developed. However, he revealed that 15,000 additional troops have been deployed in these areas to curb terrorism.
Last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while chairing high-level meetings in New Delhi to review the security scenario in J&K, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to making the region “terror-free” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has instructed the Border Security Force (BSF) to maintain a zero-infiltration policy by strengthening border security, enhancing surveillance, and deploying advanced technology.
Furthermore, the MHA has directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to maintain synergy with the Army and J&K Police to ensure comprehensive area domination without any security gaps. Security forces have also been advised to focus on the Jammu region and maintain control over higher-altitude areas.
During the February security review, Amit Shah also underscored the need for stringent measures against terror financing, narcotics-linked terror activities, and dismantling the entire terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. He reaffirmed that the Modi government remains committed to a “zero terror plan” for the region, with strong measures already underway.
