Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 19: As was expected, the ruling National Conference, like other politicians from Kashmir has favoured disbanding of the Village Defence Committees (VDCs). Talking to Early Times today, controversial National Conference additional general secretary Mustafa Kamaal, who condemns the Congress and New Delhi almost everyday, holds them responsible for all the problems facing the people of Kashmir and demands almost independence, did surprisingly appreciate the role of the VDCs, but, at the same time, said that the counter-insurgency panels have outlived their utility and members of the same should be adjusted in the Army and police.
The NC leader said that the "role of the VDCs should be limited as the militancy has declined", and added that "as in far flung areas to cater the need of doctors, government has engaged doctors under NRHM so why not VDC on same pattern" and that "If Police, Army and all other security forces are answerable then why not VDCs". "The VDC members who are not over aged should be absorbed in police", he said
He clearly sided with those who want the Government to disband the VDCs so that the radical elements are able to play their nefarious games in Jammu province and the minority community flee from Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts and enable the votaries of Greater Kashmir.
Mustafa Kamaal accused the Union Government of militarizing the state and unambiguously said that the state doesn't "need a civilian outfit" and that there is the "need to debate the role of the VDCs". Not just that. He said, "We have to discipline the VDCs so that they must be answerable to government".
It was clear from what Mustafa Kamaal said that the state government may disarm the VDCs. If it happens, the people of Jammu province would surely rise in revolt against the NC-Congress coalition government and the beneficiaries would be the BJP and the Panthers Party.
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