Amend AFSPA, urges Omar
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah pressed for amendments to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), stating it will help rebuild trust and faith in minds and hearts of the young in the state.
“Amendments to the AFSPA and reorientation of the security forces to the changing security situation in the state will create the necessary enabling environment for restoring to a certain extent the pride and self-esteem of our people,” said J&K CM Omar Abdullah.
Addressing the National Development Council, Mr Abdullah also said the recent disturbances in the Kashmir Valley were the result of continued instigation of people by “forces inimical to peace”.
“While our hearts go out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones, it must be recognised that such incidents are a disturbing demonstration of the continued instigation of innocent people by the forces inimical to peace,” he said.
Stating that the Indo-Pak dialogue should continue, Mr Omar Abdullah said an “internal dialogue” with various shades of political opinion in the state was needed given that J&K is going through turbulent times in the aftermath of civilian deaths and continued protests in the Valley.
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