New Delhi, April 5: Amid the ongoing debate over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), former Northern Army commander Lt Gen DS Hooda has come out in support of the Congress. Hooda, who was the architect of 2016 surgical strikes in PoK, said the law which gives sweeping powers to the forces must be reviewed in interest of the soldiers and civilians.

Lt Gen Hooda cited the July 2016 order of the Supreme Court, which noted that security personnel could not skip investigation on charges of excesses even if allegedly committed in areas declared "disturbed". Congress Manifesto Makes Dangerous Promises, Points on J&K Made by Tukde Tukde Gang, Says BJP.

The former senior military officer said he is not advocating a complete dilution or revocation of AFSPA, but only calling for a review.

"There are, in fact, shortfalls in the AFSPA in protecting our soldiers, especially after the Supreme Court judgment of July 2016. A review is needed, not dilution or removal," Lt Gen Hooda told TOI.

The debate over AFSPA was stoked after the Congress manifesto promised to review the law from areas where it is being misused. ""Suitable changes will be made in the text of the law (AFSPA) to balance the requirements of security and the protection of human rights," the manifesto stated.

The BJP had launched a blistering attack over the Congress' poll plank, calling it a vision document which would lead to the "balkanisation of India".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the move would lead to a disaster as security forces would be "denied the immunity" they require to function in conflict regions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 05, 2019 05:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).