A group of human rights activists today demanded withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir and reduction of the strength of the armed forces.
Calling themselves the "People's Tribunal", the activists also sought setting up of a special judicial authority for an "independent and thorough" inquiry into all complaints of rights violation, including those related to disappearances and custodial killings.
"The Tribunal is demanding the withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act," former Bombay high court judge H Suresh, who heads the People's Tribubal, told reporters in New Delhi.
He said that the government should also take immediate steps to minimise the number of armed forces in the state.
Other demands of the activists included proper rehabilitation of families of deceased, establishment of fast track courts, release of all detenues, scheme for witness protection, establishment of 'grievance cells" and dialogue with people.
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