Kolkata, Oct 25 (ANI): Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju on Tuesday said the Central Government will take a balanced view on the need for withdrawing or not withdrawing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from specific areas of the Kashmir Valley.
"I think we are examining their demands, and you know, it is being looked at a very high level because I think the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) is needed for the forces to function in some very very difficult times. What the Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) is asking for is lifting of AFSPA in some areas where there is more peaceful conditions, but I am sure the government and the ministry will take a balanced view on that," Pallam Raju told mediapersons on the sidelines of a function to mark the launch of the second anti-submarine warfare corvette at Kolkata.
Named Kadmatt, the ship has been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, a state-owned shipyard on the outskirts of Kolkata. After rigorous sea trails, she would be commissioned in the Indian Navy.
To a poser about a chopper of Indian Army straying into Pakistan airspace, Pallam Raju termed it an isolated incident.
"This is an isolated incident where a helicopter had strayed because of weather conditions, but I think Pakistan has to do much more to demonstrate that they are a friendly neighbour because terrorism today is affecting Pakistan as much as it is affecting India and we sincerely hope that they will take measures to contain this terrorism," he said.
Four army officers onboard were detained by Pakistan's military after the helicopter was forced to land for violating Pakistani airspace on Sunday.
The helicopter was released by Pakistan just hours after it strayed across the tense border between the two countries, officials said. (ANI)
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