The Supreme Court has come out with a welcome ruling on the controversial issue of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). It has issued a strict warning against the Centre and the security forces based in AFSPA areas. The ruling is that the armed forces must not apply excessive or retaliatory powers. The immunity they have enjoyed so far should be done away with. The CBI had investigated the alleged 1528 cases of illegal killings in Manipur between 2000 and 2012 perpetrated by the armed forces in the state. The SC said that fake encounters in Manipur need to be looked into. However, attorney general Mukul Rohtagi has said that security forces cannot be blamed for collateral deaths. Rights activists have been demanding repeal of the act for years. According to them, the law should protect human rights and ensure accountability for the action of armed forces. It is a major issue not merely in Manipur but also in Assam and Nagaland. The crusade launched by Irom Sharmila against the AFSPA is memorable in history. In 2015, Arunachal Pradesh set its face against a home ministry notification bringing in more areas under the AFSPA. The Tripura government has withdrawn it.
In addition to fake encounters with militants, there occur false encounters killing innocent civilians. The armed forces get credit points for such insensate cruelty. The SC has done well to issue the recent ruling. But it must also institute effective machinery enabling people to protest against uncalled for military action.