Amendments in AFSPA finalised: Chidambaram

Against the backdrop of demands for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Home Minister P Chidambaram today said amendments in the controversial legislation have been finalised and sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.

Against the backdrop of demands for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Home Minister P Chidambaram today said amendments in the controversial legislation have been finalised and sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.

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"Amendments in AFSPA have been finalised and sent to the Cabinet. Once the Cabinet clears it, it will be applicable throughout the country -- be it Jammu and Kashmir or the Northeast," he said at a press conference when asked whether the Centre was revisiting the Act.

Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding repeal of AFSPA contending that they give unfettered powers to armed forces.

J-K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also demanded withdrawal of the Act and there have been deliberations with the armed forces over the issue.

Manipur too had witnessed violent protests demanding the repeal of the Act. PTI SKL ACB SDG