Just as atrocious conduct of Pakistan army in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) has been flagged off in many quarters; experts and veteran observers of India's north east say there is already a policy of 'Zero Tolerance' towards any instance of human rights violation by forces in India.
In fact, they insist respecting human rights for Indian para military, army and other security forces is not simply a moral and a legal necessity, but also a crucial strategic imperative.
"You must have noted over the years, Indian forces have conducted a number of operations against terrorists and insurgents; but a lot of collateral damage has been avoided. "
Indian forces have developed 'expertise' in achieving maximum outcome by putting in minimum forces.
"Avoiding injuries and casualties among children and women is one thing; that's ensured even as Indian forces have successfully eliminated Maoists and militants in north east, Jammu and Kashmir and central and western parts of India," said someone in the know of things.
The Indian Army had established a Human Rights Cell in March 1993 at Army Headquarters, much before the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established. Similar cells have also been established at the Command and Corps level in counter-insurgency areas.
These cells act as nodal agencies for receiving complaints from various groups or individuals, investigating the veracity of each complaint and taking corrective action where required.
The track record of the Indian Army in J&K and the Northeast, where it has been deployed as an aid to the respective State’s and UT administration apparatus for internal security tasks, has been guided also by the “Dos and Don’ts”.
Of course, the Armed Forces Special Powers Acts (AFSPA) empower the Forces to act in some difficult situations.
However, there is a robust mechanism also in place for course corrections. It is true The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) grants sweeping powers to take extreme actions and even arrest without warrants, it also shielding security personnel from prosecution without central government sanction.
Look at the contrast situation offered by Pakistani forces. Even civilian areas are bombed casually and callously from time to time.
In a statement issued, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Jeremy Laurence, said that the criminalisation of a civil society organisation and imposition of strict limitations on gatherings in POJK raise serious concerns about infringements on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
India on July 31 demanded international scrutiny of Pakistan’s actions as civilian death toll has mounted.
".... the very 'mujahideen' that the Pakistani establishment trained, funded, armed, and sent to India have now turned their guns inward, weaponizing themselves," MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal told reporters during regular media briefing in New Delhi.
"The people there have requested international organizations to conduct an independent investigation into the unlawful killings.
We urge the international community to scrutinize Pakistan's actions and hold it accountable for its atrocities."
The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been spearheading agitation over 12 disputed seats in the PoJK legislative assembly, demanding accountability and reforms.
Reports said at least 40 to 75 people have been killed by Pakistan Army in the last few days.
Pakistani forces used live ammunition and lethal force to disperse demonstrations, leading to high-casualty standoffs in areas like Rawalakot and Mirpur.
According to media reports, over 100 unarmed civilians have been killed by the Pakistani troops since the start of unrest in June.
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The central security forces and paramilitary units like Assam Rifles in the north east - in fact - favour strong and friendly relationships with locals in the north east.
The forces are investing in building new bonds with the youths of tomorrow by training selected local boys and even girls for various employment opportunities including those for the Agniveers and other multiple forces.
With regard to alleged 'human rights violations' by forces during military operations in the north east or in Jammu and Kashmir, the source said, the directives from the Defence ministry and Army headquarters are clear, even a single instance of human rights violation is "totally unacceptable".
The Assam Rifles through Military Civic Action Projects under Operation Sadbhavana undertake multiple projects to help natives in violent-hit states such as Manipur.
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