D K Pandey, a CRPF inspector-general (IG) posted in Ranchi and in-charge of anti-Maoist operations for the central force in Jharkhand, had made the pitch, which is seen to be his personal view.
Speaking to TOI, CRPF director-general K Vijay Kumar rubbished the demand for AFSPA for anti-Maoist operations. "We certainly don’t want AFSPA. As long as we are covered by Section 197 CrPC, which gives our officers immunity against prosecution, we are fine," he said.
According to Clause 2 of Sec 197 CrPC, "No court shall take cognizance of any offence alleged to have been committed by any member of the Armed Forces of the Union acting or purporting to act in the discharge of his official duty, except with the previous sanction of the Central Government."
Senior CRPF officers in charge of operations in other Maoist-hit states, too, said AFSPA is not required. "We don’t need to go overboard. That will only alienate the people further and aggravate the Maoist problem," said a senior CRPF official.
At a meeting, held at the CRPF headquarters on April 20, to review anti-Maoist operations, Pandey sponsored the agenda point relating to imposition of the draconian AFSPA in "at least selective pockets" in Jharkhand if it is not possible in the entire state. Pandey, a 1984-batch IPS officer of Jharkhand cadre and currently on deputation to the CRPF, was, however, not present at the meeting.
The agenda point, sponsored by Pandey, said, "In the present system, Jharkhand Police is requisitioning CRPF for providing troops for anti-Naxal ops. CRPF is not in a position to launch any operation of its own. Therefore, our achievement is subject to proactive approach of State police. Hence, CRPF should be given Armed Forces Special Powers (AFSPA) for at least six months."
Now, 16 CRPF units and two CoBRA units are deployed in Jharkhand to assist the state police in anti-Maoist operations.
"I stick to my stand on AFSPA that I spelled out last year," said the CRPF chief. Last November, Kumar had said CRPF was amenable to withdrawal of AFSPA from certain areas of Jammu & Kashmir, which was in line with Union home ministry’s stand.