AFSPA removal being pursued: Kashmir CM

By Fayaz Ahmad Jan 5th, 2012 ( No Comment )

Srinagar, Jan 5: The Chief Minister of Indian administered Kashmir Omar Abdullah, who completed three years as CM of the region today said removal of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the region is being pursued with Indian government.

“The line taken by the J&K government on withdrawal of AFSPA is based on logic not on emotions. I intend to pursue it to its logical conclusion. The consultations in this regarding are going on with Indian government,” he told media persons here on Thursday.

He said he believes that there is a rightful case for gradual withdrawal of AFSPA from those areas in Jammu and Kashmir, where Army is not operating for years.

Omar had in October last year announced that AFSPA would be lifted from some parts of Jammu and Kashmir soon.

However, Indian army and defence ministry have opposed any move to lift AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir. Senior Indian army officials have said any such move would hamper their operations against militants and would render them handicap.

Indian army chief Gen V K Singh had recently said any such move would weaken the security network in Jammu and Kashmir and could result in “creation of sanctuaries for militants”.

Omar said, “I am certain of my position that I have taken now and as earlier on the issue of withdrawal of AFSPA. It is not a question of coming years. I intend to pursue in the coming weeks and months. The issue is not on the backburner–just because it is not being talked about– does not mean that it is not being pursued”.

All the pro-Indian and separatist leaders and groups in Kashmir have been demanding removal of AFSPA from the region.