Omar Abdullah says his government to revoke AFSPA soon

Jammu, Feb.26 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced that his government is considering a proposal to revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), stripping the armed forces of special powers in the terrorism-hit state.

Replying to a debate on the withdrawal of the AFSPA and human rights violations, Abdullah said: "We have started the process of revoking the AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act,"

"The first step has been taken with the replacement of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Srinagar," Abdullah said, amid a thumping of desks by the treasury benches.

Earlier, PDP legislature party leader Mehbooba Mufti lashed out at the State Government for "perpetuating the reign of terror in Kashmir".

"This must stop," she said while demanding the revocation of the AFSPA and the Disturbed Area Act.

"Nothing short of that would assuage the people of Kashmir," she said.

The Armed Forces Special Powers Act gives powers to armed forces to carry out operations in disturbed areas. It was promulgated in Jammu and Kashmir in July 1990. (ANI)