Like our Facebook Page

news details

Lifting AFSPA from Valley not an option, Venkaiah Naidu 2/22/2015 12:03:18 AM Agencies NEW DELHI, Feb 21: As negotiations between BJP and PDP continue on the contentious issues of Article 370 and Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) before the two agree to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu has hinted that while the former could be discussed, the latter was non-negotiable. The two parties are currently discussing a common minimum programme to formalize the alliance and form a government. Sources said the discussions were stuck on the issues of abrogation of Article 370 and removal of AFSPA from the Valley. While BJP has been pushing for the former, PDP has been batting for the latter. Parliamentary affairs minister Naidu on Thursday hinted that while the party could consider PDP's demands on Article 370 given the electoral reality, it would not compromise on AFSPA as it was not just the Army which was a stakeholder in the issue but "the entire country". Talking to a TV channel, Naidu said, "We have to understand the reality. People have given a fractured mandate. We are not in a majority. Discussions on Article 370 will keep sensitivities of Kashmir in mind." On PDP's demand for removal of AFSPA from the Valley and opposition from Army being a factor, Naidu said, "It's not just the Army which is a stakeholder in the issue. The entire country is. It's an issue dear to all Indians. There are 40 terror camps operating. We cannot withdraw AFSPA." Naidu said he was sure that those negotiating with PDP would make the party understand the issue. The assertion comes a day after Mufti Mohammed Sayeed hinted that there could be no deal with BJP if the latter did not agree to his party's demands on Article 370 and AFSPA. Removal of AFSPA was PDP's poll promise while abrogation of Article 370 is an issue not agreeable to any party in the Valley.   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

top stories of the day

J&K's IAS crisis set to deepen It's final; PDP-BJP to form next Govt in Jammu and Kashmir NC-Cong regime slept over appointing heads of 4 Commissions PDP holding detailed negotiations with BJP 'frustrates' NC Revisiting the Feb 22, 1994 Parliamentary resolution Together we defeated polio, have we? Charak's fate in limbo as case pending for regular inquiry at SAC JPUF, BSP, AAP all for the Jammu cause No advisories please, take tangible measures Congress critical of Modi's gifts coming under hammer for a noble cause JKPSC lethargy tests patience of CCE aspirants Hospitals san medicines, vaccines 2 more test positive in Jammu 'Health department failed to handle H1N1 outbreak' Swine Flu threat looms over Katra Independent legislators hold key to two LC seats from Kashmir Rafibad Encounter: Two Pak based Laishker ultras eliminated, huge arms ammunition recovered Engineer Rashid's participation in congregation irks Jamaat rank & file

STOCK UPDATE

BSE Sensex NSE Nifty

CRICKET UPDATE