Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
3. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is an anachronistic law and its repeal can strengthen the foundation of our democracy. Critically examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
It augurs well for the future that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the first authentic indication that the operation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) may come to an end in the whole of the north-eastern region, if ongoing efforts to normalise the situation bear fruit.
Key Demand of the question:
To write critically examine whether or not there is a need to repeal AFSPA which is considered draconian.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about aims and objectives behind enactment of AFSPA.
Body:
First, write about the reasons as to why AFSPA considered draconian – AFSPA allows civilian authorities to call on the armed forces, de facto immunity from prosecution, AFSPA has uncanny similarities with emergencies and effectively suspends fundamental freedoms etc.
Next, write about the need of AFSPA in the present day in regards to India’s internal security.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced way forward regarding AFSPA.
