Why not AFSPA to curb Naxalism, slain Kashmir trooper's father asks

5 Dariya News

Baramulla 03-Dec-2014

The father of slain Kashmir Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) man, who was killed in a Naxal ambush in Chattisgarh state, along with 13 other CRPF men, on Wednesday, asked if Arms Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) can be imposed in Kashmir why not in Maoist-affected areas.In a deadly ambush by Naxals in Chattisgarh, at least 14 CRPF troops were killed. Among the dead include a Kashmiri youth Muhammad Shafi (28), hailing from Pattan area of Baramulla district, who had joined the Force in 16 March 2006.Mehraj-ud-Din Bhat, the slain’s father is miffed at the alleged inaction of Chattisgarh government for not crushing Naxal insurgency. “I request government to take over Naxal militants like they did in Kashmir and Punjab. In Punjab, they crushed insurgency in just one month,” Bhat told GNS at his house.“In Kashmir they have imposed AFSPA but why don’t they impose there? Why don’t they send army there?” he asked.

He slammed the government of Chattisgarh and accused it of ‘not caring soldiers’ lives’. “They don’t think about jawans. They think if a soldier diestoday, we will recruit new ones. But, they don’t think about those whose son dies. They don’t think what would happen to his family.”He requested the Chief Minister of Chattisgarh to take solid steps in order to stop Naxals from killing soldiers. “Why don’t you (Government) take on terrorists? I have heard that since last year, 1500 jawans have been killed including several. This means1500 lives have been wasted and 1500 houses have been destroyed,” he said, adding: “in future it should not happen.” He also appealed Government to ensure safety of Kashmiri soldiers in CRPF and army

In reply to a question, he said: “I think the reason behind Government of not launching major operation to flush out Naxals is because they are Hindus. They are their own. But, in Kashmir, the militants are Kashmiris and that is why they are killing them. It doesn’t bother them when a Kashmiri dies whether here or there (in Chattisgarh). They are of thinking that a Kashmiri has to die in both the ways whether here or there.”Meanwhile, the body of slain trooper was brought to his house and was buried amidst sobs and tears. Hundreds of people attended his funeral. (GNS)