No repeal of special powers act: Antony

By IANS

New Delhi : Defence Minister A.K. Antony Tuesday ruled out the repeal of a controversial law that gives unlimited powers to the armed forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations, but said the government was open to any amendments that might be necessary.


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"The army needs special powers to act effectively (in insurgency-hit areas)," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here on defence accounts.

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission Monday recommended repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act that gives extraordinary powers to security forces fighting militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.

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