Agenda: Re-evaluating the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958 grants the Indian military expansive powers in regions facing insurgency, including the authority to detain individuals without charge and use lethal force. While the Act has been pivotal in addressing internal security threats, it has faced significant criticism for enabling human rights abuses, such as extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances. This debate will compel parliamentarians to critically examine whether AFSPA remains a necessary tool in contemporary governance or if alternative strategies can achieve security objectives without infringing on civil liberties. Engaging with this issue will sharpen parliamentarians abilities in policy analysis, ethical reasoning, and public speaking, while offering a nuanced understanding of governance in conflict zones. The topic is particularly pertinent in regions like India's Northeast, where AFSPA continues to be enforced. Ultimately, this discussion will equip future leaders with the tools to navigate the complex intersection of security, justice, and human rights, fostering informed decision-making in high-stakes governance contexts.

RAJYA SABHA 2