The Jammu and Kashmir 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).
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 RK 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.
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