Don't politicize AFSPA issue in Kashmir: Azad

Jammu, Nov 11 (ANI): Speaking on the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)' from Jammu and Kashmir, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said there is no need to politicise the controversial issue.

"This should be left to the State Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, and it is for them (to decide) who to consult and who not to consult. I don't think that there should be any controversy, and this should not be politicised," he told the media here.

Azad further said that a public debate on the issue should be avoided since it was a critical matter related to the country's defence.

"A big controversy is being made out of it. I can only say that there should not be any controversy on the issue. We should not politicise these issues and we should not try to take political advantage out of it," he added.

Earlier, Omar Abdullah reiterated his demand for withdrawal of the AFSPA from peaceful areas of the state, and said that he would not take 'no' for an answer from the Indian Army.

"I have said that 'no' is not an option I am willing to consider, so other than 'no' as an option, you give me other options that are feasible and workable and that is what I want those committees to examine and then I'll take a look at it," he said.

In his effort to draw some conclusion for the removal of this law, Abdullah said that he had instructed the two committees to give its recommendations on the issue, so that he could debate the issue with the Indian army.

"I have instructed that since two committees have already been set up to finalise their recommendations, I would rather those committees make there recommendations known before I have any further discussions with them (Indian Army), on this," said Omar.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government had earlier hinted to revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from some areas in the state. (ANI)