 Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 27: Within minutes after former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the assurance of Home Minister Amit Shah on the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) as a political gimmick, chairman of the Peoples’ Conference Sajad Gani Lone said that that it was the NC Congres that brought this Act to J&K.
“Removal of AFSPA will be an excellent step. The People of Kashmir will welcome it. If it is removed. Let us take the Home Minister for his word and let us hope he honours his word”, Lone said.
In an obvious reference to the National Conference, he said, “And to those Kashmiri leaders who ruled J&K and their national partners who brought in AFSPA and never took it back. Can u please have the decency of shutting up”.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) was introduced in Jammu and Kashmir in the 1990s due to a significant increase in insurgency and terror activities. The government implemented AFSPA as a measure to contain the violence and to attempt to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
The Act gives special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in “disturbed areas” to maintain public order. It was deemed necessary because of the extreme security instability in the area.
Omar Abdu Those Kashmiri leaders who ruled J&K and their national partners who brought in AFSPA and never took it back. Can u please have the decency of shutting up.
Omar has criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement about considering the revocation of the AFSPA from J&K.
Amit Shah has indicated that the removal of AFSPA could be considered as the situation in J&K improves.
The AFSPA was introduced in J&K in 1990s due to a significant increase in insurgency and terror activities.
Abdullah pointed out that this promise is made with the upcoming national elections in mind and expresses concern that it might be a tactic to gain votes, similar to what he believes happened with the people of Ladakh regarding the restoration of statehood and the Sixth Schedule.
Abdullah insisted that if the central government acknowledges that peace has returned to Jammu and Kashmir, and there’s no more violence or separatist sentiment, then it’s the appropriate time to repeal the AFSPA and withdraw the military presence without further delay.
Earlier Amit Shah has indicated that the removal of AFSPA could be considered as the situation in Jammu and Kashmir improves. He also highlighted the evolving role of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), which is now leading most operations with support from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), suggesting that the JKP will soon take full responsibility for law and order. Additionally, Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir before September as part of efforts to restore democracy in the region. | 