Antony dismisses demands for withdrawal of AFSPA from J-K

New Delhi, Feb 17 (PTI) Defence Minister A K Antonytoday dismissed demands for the withdrawal of Armed ForcesSpecial Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir, sayinginfiltration attempts were still continuing and terroristscould not be given any "opportunity to succeed" there.

"Militancy has come down substantially but at the sametime our feedback is not giving us comfort. Attempts forinfiltration are still continuing... We cannot take any stepthat will give an opportunity for militants to succeed there,"he told reporters here.

The minister was asked if the controversial Act could berepealed, or withdrawn from the Kashmir Valley.

Stressing on the need for armed forces to be careful,Antony said, "Inimical forces across the border, 24x7 they aretrying to send people to Jammu and Kashmir."

Observing that the situation in the state was fastimproving "because of various reasons", he said the securityforces cannot relax and have to be vigilant.

Several political leaders, including Jammu and KashmirChief Minister Omar Abdullah, have sought partial withdrawaland dilution of the AFSPA in recent months. The Home ministryhas indicated that it was already doing a review of the lawthat provided sweeping powers to the armed forces.