ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT OF ARMY PERSONNEL IN HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN J&K

1. A Report released by two Human Rights NGOs viz Association of Parents of Disappeared persons (IPDP) and the International People’s Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir (IPTK) in Srinagar on 06 December 2012 lists 235 army personnel for alleged involvement in HR abuses in J&K.

2. The Report by the NGOs is highly biased and motivated. The Army personnel allegedly involved in HR violations listed in the Report is based on FIRs lodged with police in J&K , petitions filed in Courts in J&K and other unofficial sources. The culpability of the Army persons listed has not been established in any of the cases. The above named NGOs have stated clearly that they do not have conclusive evidence against any of the army personnel mentioned in their report. It is thus evident that the Report is merely a collation of unsubstantiated allegations aimed at maligning the Army.

3. The Indian Army is a highly disciplined force which is acutely conscious of the need for support of the local population in counter insurgency operations and hence attaches highest importance to upholding human rights while conducting operations in J&K. Conduct of operations using minimum force, avoiding collateral damage, acting in good faith and maintaining high moral standards are aspects which form the cornerstone of the professional ethos of the army operating in J&K. These aspects are ingrained in all ranks through training and comprehensive instructions issued in the form of rules of engagement and standard operating procedures.

4. Allegations of HR abuse by army personnel are promptly investigated and strict action initiated against defaulters. It may be mentioned here that only 36 cases out of 1519 cases of alleged HR violations against the Army in J&K have been found to be true since 1990. The Army has punished 109 of its personnel including 40 officers found guilty of HR violation with punishments ranging from cashiering to rigorous imprisonment in civil jails.

5. The release of the Report by the NGOs at a time when a semblance of peace has been established in J&K is likely to instigate fresh demonstrations and violence. It is also an attempt to involve the SF in legal wrangles and demoralize troops on ground.

6. While complaints of HR violations based on facts will always be promptly acted upon, allegations based on mere hearsay or unconfirmed reports merely serve to vitiate the environment and malign the army and SF operating in extremely hazardous conditions in J&K. The Army will issue detailed comments on the allegations leveled against it after a detailed study of the Report..