Defense Minister Arun Jaitely in J&K Defense Minister Arun Jaitely in J&K

Any decision on revoking Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir will depend on the progress in the situation in the state over a period of time, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Sunday.

“As far as today the situation is concerned, our armed forces and local security forces have been handling the situation. Over the period of time, we have to watch how the situation progresses,” Jaitley told reporters here at the end of his two-day visit to the state.

He was responding to a question on whether the Centre will consider revoking the controversial AFSPA in the state in view of the improved security scenario.

“As far as your question is concerned, today I am not in a position to make any comment on this,” he said.

Replying to another question, the Defence Minister said sanction for prosecution of armed forces personnel accused of involvement in human rights violations is decided on the merits of the case.

“Each case is decided on its own merits. In case the permission has no basis, then it (prosecution) certainly cannot be allowed. In case there is a basis in it, there is a human rights violation, it will be viewed differently,” he said.

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