Hyderabad:- On Sunday, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi raised serious concerns, stating that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir is fostering custodial violence and torture.
Terming the killing of the three men as horrifying, Owaisi took to social media to express his views, highlighting that the compensation offered by the government is inadequate.
Owaisi’s comments were prompted by reports of the alleged torture of three civilians by the Army, who were later found dead on December 22 near the site of a militant attack in Poonch district. The attack on December 21 resulted in the death of five soldiers and left two injured.
“The compensation by the government is not enough. AFSPA in Kashmir emboldens such custodial violence and torture. The culprits need to be investigated and punished under civilian laws,” Owaisi stated.
In response to the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir administration announced compensation and jobs for the kin of the deceased civilians.
Addressing party workers, Owaisi voiced his apprehension about the situation in Kashmir, noting that not since 1991 have the forces faced such an attack. He also expressed deep concern over the custodial torture of civilians, questioning the status of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s previous claims after the repeal of Article 370 and demonetization.
“Unfortunately, dialogue-baazi has replaced proper national security,” Owaisi added, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced in the region.
