Omar says case for withdrawal of AFSPA rightful

Jammu, Jan 5: Asserting that there was a rightful case for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from areas where Army is not operating, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that he would pursue the issue to its logical conclusion.

“I believe the line we have taken (on withdrawal of AFSPA) is based on logic not on emotions. I intend to pursue it to its logical conclusion,” Abdullah told reporters here today.

Omar was posed with questions about withdrawal of AFSPA by the media during a function in connection with completion of three years of coalition government led by the National Conference (NC).

The government, which had taken oath on January five, 2009, today released the three-year report card of their governance, development and policies they had formulated and implemented on the ground during the period.

“I believe that there is a rightful case for gradual withdrawal of AFSPA from those areas where army is not operating for years”, he said.

The Chief Minister further said, “I am certain of my position that I have taken now and as earlier (on the issue of withdrawal of AFSPA)”.

“It is not a question of coming years. I intend to pursue in the coming weeks and months”, the Chief Minister said adding “the issue is not the back burner–just because it is not being talked about– does not mean that it is not being pursued”.

“At various levels the discussions are on both within the state between the civil and security establishments and also on the central level as well”, he said. MORE

PTI