New Delhi, November 20
The government is reportedly keen on excluding Srinagar city from the list under the Disturbed Areas Act. However, questions are being raised by the Army on the long-term repercussions of such a move. If Srinagar is removed from the list of disturbed areas, it would automatically render the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) ineffective in the summer capital of the state. Sources said the Army’s stand was clear that it would not operate in areas where the AFSPA was not in operation. The government was aware of the same.

Sources said the Army had termed it as a “move fraught with danger”. It also saw it as a hindrance in protecting key posts along the Line of Control with Pakistan and also those in Ladakh facing China. Army’s main supply lines to Kargil and Ladakh passed through Srinagar. The route was much more reliable than the Manali-Leh route that was prone to landslides and remained snow-bound for much longer time every year. The Army even cited the example of Manipur where the Disturbed Areas Act was not applicable to the capital city, Imphal. It had not helped in anyway, it said.