Srinagar: Asserting that no one was above
law, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said
the arrest of BSF commandant in connection with the killing of
a teenager here last month should serve as a warning for those
who consider themselves above the law.
"The government won't tolerate human rights violations.
We are committed to protect people. I want to maintain that
nobody irrespective of status or rank should consider himself
above the law", Omar told reporters on the sidelines of a
function at Dal Lake here last evening.
Referring to arrest of BSF commandant R K Birdi, he
said "it reflects government's resolve towards safeguarding
human rights". Omar said the law will take its own course and
justice will prevail.
The Chief Minister said a notion was being created
that security forces involved in human rights abuses would get
away by virtue of armed forces special powers act (AFSPA).
"I want to make it clear that we won't let AFSPA to
come in the way in case of human rights abuses where
involvement of the troops is established. It has been made a
set procedure and I assure that there will be no concession to
the accused," he said.
Due to AFPA, no legal proceedings can be initiated
against any member of the armed forces without the sanction of
the Central government.
However, on Omar's instance, Home
Minister had asked the BSF to cooperate with the state
government in the killing of Zahid Farooq, who was shot dead
by BSF men on February 5 at Brein-Nishat, which sparked off
massive demonstrations in the valley.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, March 07, 2010, 17:34