Open Petition Regarding AFSPA
- Research Scholars of IITB & TISS, Mumbai -

September 15, 2010

A group of social minded research scholars from IIT Bombay & TISS who wanted to emphasize the ability of youths in doing certain activities to bring good outcome in the society. The emphasis of our activity on the last International Human Rights Daywas to bring awareness on ''action for noble causes' and they chose to have a campaign with the participation from various countries of the world on the issue of AFSPA.

A hard copy of the petition having many signatures can be downloaded here .

Excerpt from the online petition:
We the Undersigned, hereby state:
THAT AFSPA is a legislation act passed on September 11, in 1958 and we are alarmed at the Government's adoption of a military tyranny.

THAT fundamental human rights are not a reality for many in the country as human rights abuses attributed to AFSPA constitute a nationwide fear that give rise to serious damage and infringe upon the constitutional protections that are enshrined in Fundamental Rights of Indian Constitution.

THAT under this act military operations compromise human rights of the citizens impairing social harmony which is not patriotic, but rather destroys the very dignity of democratic principles.

THAT security forces are given unrestricted power to carry out their operations once an area is declared disturbed amounting to violation of human rights in the form of arbitrary detention, abuse, discrimination, enforced disappearance, and killing.

THAT the enforcement of AFSPA has resulted horrifying incidents of human rights violation by giving security forces legal impunity for their actions.

THAT we strongly urge the government of India to rehabilitate those affected by the military operations, hold talks with civil society groups, and establish independent body to work very closely with the people of the places where AFSPA is imposed.

THAT we call on the government of India for immediate and total repeal of AFSPA so that every citizen is entitled human rights and freedoms which must be respected and protected by the nation.