Jaibans Singh The preoccupation of Kashmiri politics with the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is attaining rather exasperating dimensions. Somehow, all issues that come into media limelight are twisted and turned to get back to discussing the revocation or otherwise of the AFSPA. Recently, the Valley has been in the throes of an incident of firing by the CISF on … [Read more...] about Policy decisions should not be incident driven or politicised
Defence and security
Can Pakistan’s peace overtures be taken on face value?
Jaibans Singh The world, as we know it, seems to be going topsy-turvy of late. Pakistan, a sworn enemy of India since its inception as a Nation, seems to be warming up with big brother after six plus decades. At the same time, its relationship with its most abiding ally, the United States (US), is on the brink of a breakdown. While the two countries are trying to maintain a … [Read more...] about Can Pakistan’s peace overtures be taken on face value?
Terrorism has led to restrictive legislations globally
Brigadier (Retired) Manjit Singh With the advent of terrorism many nations, including developed countries, have modified their laws and made them more stringent to meet this menace. Sweeping powers, which would not stand scrutiny of modern human rights principles, have been given to the Police, Homeland Security and other security forces since they are considered to be the … [Read more...] about Terrorism has led to restrictive legislations globally
Demonising the Army has grave security implications
Jasbir Sarai The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is in the proverbial “centre of the storm” currently. A misplaced belief of its “draconian” nature is being exploited by some segments of society to fulfill personal agendas. Some on the fringes of the media glare and looking for free publicity pontificate on the issue; others look towards it as a political opportunity. … [Read more...] about Demonising the Army has grave security implications
Omar’s spat with the Army is in bad taste
Jaibans Singh There are some very serious questions that need to be debated in view of the ugly turn that the matter of revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (afspa) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has taken. There is no denying that issues of national security should come up for debate. Such debates may be carried out in the public domain by experts in the field … [Read more...] about Omar’s spat with the Army is in bad taste