Ending yet another round of speculation about the revocation of much-maligned Armed Forces Special Power Act from the state, chief minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday made it clear that the act would continue to stay in militancy-ridden areas of the state.
Mr Abdullah, while talking to the media after reviewing development projects in Jammu, however, maintained that discussion was on with the Centre to modify its draconian components to make it a humane act. “There is no question of AFSPA being revoked at this point of time. What we are examining is the possibility of removing it from those areas where militancy is almost thing of the past. We are also in discussion with Delhi to modify or amend draconian components to make the existing act more humane act.”
Mr Abdullah also admitted that the present situation in the Valley was a cause of concern for all. “We are trying our best to end this cycle of protests, violence and restore normalcy at the earliest. I have given strict instructions to the security forces to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with crowds so that there is no further loss of life. We hope that by the end of month of Ramzan and Id we will be able to restore normalcy in Kashmir and common people would resume their routine life.” Regarding controversy over autonomy, he said: “When we say let’s discuss autonomy proposal we are not taking any extreme position. This is the starting point of our dialogue. We only say let us talk so as to find a common meeting ground on how to resolve the issue.”
“There is no hard and fast rule regarding amendment of the autonomy document but first we need to empower and provide equitable development to the people of all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir,” the chief minister said.
He, however, said people would get empowered after panchayat elections.
When asked about militants being present among stone-pelting crowds and opening fire on security forces, Mr Abdullah stated, “I have asked the security forces to exercise restraint even if the crowd opens fire.”
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Dialogue only solution: BJP
New Delhi: The BJP on Wednesday asserted that holding dialogue is the only solution for the ongoing law and order situation in J&K, reports our correspondent. The BJP had already made it clear that separation of J&K is not acceptable to it. Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said: “In a democracy, solution to any problem lies in the dialogue process.”
It will not come out of stone pelting or from the bullets of the security forces.”