Jammu, Nov. 9 (ANI): Ahead of his crucial meeting with the Unified Command to discuss the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday demanded the revocation of the anti-militancy law from peaceful areas of the state.
"Our intention is not to demand for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from those areas where the Army is needed. We never pressed for the revocation of the Army from areas like Baramullah, Sopore, Kupwara but what is the harm in removing the law in places where the Army has not worked over the past many years," Abdullah told mediapersons on the sidelines of an event here.
"Tell me, when was the last time they (Army) worked in Srinagar, Badhgam; there are places where the Army has not been active in years. So, when they have not worked then why should they get the protection of the law? This is a simple question for which I seek a simple answer then it would take it into consideration for sure," he added.
Omar Abdullah further justified his decision by stating that the issue can longer be kept under the wraps as militancy in the state has now dipped drastically.
"Militant activities have reduced since the past few years hence if we keep waiting for the last gun to go down and then initiate these actions then probably that day would never come. We will have to someday gather the courage and take these decisions that might appear to be difficult in the beginning but have a good effect later," said Abdullah.
"Last year, when we were in the process of removing 40 bunkers from Srinagar city, weren't theses the same voices which said that Srinagar would become the fortress of militancy and attacks would be carried out again. But the reality is different today," he added.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government had earlier hinted to revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from some areas in the state. (ANI)
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