J&K: Will gradually repeal AFSPA, says Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

kashmir, march 23: In yet another controversial statement which may not augur well to alliance partner BJP, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Monday said that his government will gradually repeal the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The statement has come to fore two days after twin terror attacks in the State.

Reportedly, Sayeed, who recently raked up series of controversy told State Assembly, "There are certain reservations as far as the Defence Ministry and some army officials are concerned, but we will try to start the gradual process (of scrapping AFSPA)".

Recently, BJP president Amit Shah said that party may quit coalition government(PDP-BJP alliance) if 'Kashmir issue' will not be resolved. The statement came in the backdrop of recent spates of controversies including release of separatist leader Masarrat Alam. While addressing BJP workers in his assembly constituency Naranpura on Wednesday, Shah categorically said that for BJP national interest is above all and party will not compromise on that front.

"People of this country have blessed us like Lord Shiva and given us very big responsibility. BJP will never compromise on national interest, merely to remain in power in Jammu and Kashmir," BJP president said.

Recent controversies

BJP has been facing the ire of opposition parties due to its alliance with PDP with the J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's recent decision to release separatist leader Masarrat Alam, only adding to its woes.

Hardline separatist leader Masarrat Alam, who spearheaded the 2010 summer agitation in Kashmir was recently released from jail. Alam was arrested in October 2010 at the end of a bloody summer agitation in Kashmir, which left over 120 youth dead in security forces action, and was detained under Public Safety Act (PSA).

Earlier, PDP leaders demanded the return of the mortal remains of Afzal Guru to the Valley. Afzal Guru, sentenced to death in the 2001 parliament attack case, was hanged on February 9, 2013 when Congress-led UPA was in the power.

The demand came close on the heels of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's earlier remark where he gave credit for peaceful voting in the state to Pakistan and separatists.

When PM forced to give statement on Alam

Facing fire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had clarified before the Lok Sabha that Alam's release is not acceptable and that the government won't tolerate any compromise on the nation's integrity. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had also echoed the sentiments saying that his government's top priority was national security and not continuance of the government in the state.

OneIndia News