Bangalore, Feb 6: Against the backdrop of opposition to keep AFSPA out of ambit of the ordinance for protection of women, Defence Minister A K Antony Wednesday said the government will take “ruthless” actions against armed forces personnel involved in crimes against women.
“Our government is serious and concerned about the security of women. We will take strongest action against people who create problems for women. The ordinance is coming to Parliament. After it, we will be able to take strong against such people ruthlessly. That applies to armed forces also,” he said at a press conference here.
The Minister was asked to comment on the opposition by women activists over armed forces personnel covered by AFSPA being kept out of the ordinance's purview.
He said the armed forces have been issued directives that there would be “zero tolerance” policy by the Defence Ministry towards crimes against women.
“I assure you that we have given directives to armed forces that regarding crime against women, our policy would be of zero tolerance. We will take strong, speedy and convincing actions”, Antony said.
The ordinance has been brought by the government against the backdrop of the December 16 gang rape incident in New Delhi.
On the controversial AFSPA, he sought to link the importance of the Act with the regional and global security situation and said no hasty decision could be taken on that.
“Earlier, your colleagues had asked about the situation in neighborhood. Considering that, we have to be very serious. We cannot take a hasty decision on that”, the Defence Minister said.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 6 Feb 2013 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 6 Feb 2013 18:30:00 GMT
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