J&K Political parties welcome Shah’s statement on repeal of AFSPA

SRINAGAR, (CNI): Two former chief ministers on Wednesday welcomed the proposed repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir, but expressed concern that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s It can be just an election promise.

Former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah said that the promise to cancel AFSPA was made ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections as he feared that the people here would be cheated in the same way. As promised by the people of Ladakh of the sixth schedule.

Another former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti welcomed Shah’s statement but hoped that it would not be “hype” like the BJP’s promise to provide 2 crore jobs in the country every year.

The two leaders were reacting to local media reports in which Shah was quoted as saying that the BJP-led Center would definitely consider revoking IFSP from Jammu and Kashmir in future.

“I have been waiting for this day since 2011. We tried hard to remove AFSPA (when he was chief minister) as well, but I am afraid that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will also be misled and similarly cheated.” will be given. Ladakh was misled and cheated on the promise of the sixth schedule because there are elections,” Abdullah told reporters in Budgam district.

The NC leader said the law, which gives broad powers and immunity from prosecution to security forces in troubled areas, was immediately revoked in view of statements by central leaders about restoration of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir should go.

“As far as revoking AFSPA is concerned, start today. When they say things are normal and militancy is over and there is no separatist thought left, what are they waiting for?” he asked.

Shah was quoted as saying by private television news channel – Golestan News – “The situation is returning to normal and we are rapidly considering revoking AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir and reshuffle of the state”. .

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 19.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, PDP chief Mufti said, “As a first step, the central government can release jailed journalists and Kashmiris without charge.” “PDP has consistently called for the repeal of AFSPA as well as the gradual withdrawal of troops. It also formed an important part of our agenda of alliance to which the BJP wholeheartedly agreed. Der aye durst aye.”

“Better late than never,” Mufti said, “but only if it is not a gimmick like creating 2 crore jobs every year or empty promises of depositing 1.5 lakhs in bank accounts.”

The former JK chief minister hoped that the government would fulfill its promise in the matter of repealing AFSPA as it would bring relief to the people of the Union Territory.

“One can only hope that they will at least fulfill their commitment in this matter as it will bring a huge relief to the people of Jammu and Kashmir Perhaps MHA journalists and thousands of young Kashmiri boys will take the matter forward. It could begin by releasing those currently incarcerated without charge or trial.

Mufti’s daughter Ilja Mufti, who is his media adviser, said the party welcomed the announcement and it was a good start.

“We welcome this because PDP’s approach and its manifesto has always stood for repeal of AFSPA, which is a draconian law. PDP also stands for withdrawal of armed forces from urban areas,” Ilja Mufti said. told reporters here.

Describing the announcement as a good start, he, however, said that whenever the PDP president says the same thing, “he is called anti-national”.

He added, “If the Home Minister really wants to do it, hundreds of young Kashmiris and journalists imprisoned under UAPA and PSA should be released as a goodwill gesture before Eid.” ”

Iltija Mufti said the party, however, fears that it may not be a “hype” as the BJP knows that its position in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is not good and does not seem to be doing well electorally Will perform.

Asked about Shah’s second statement that the government plans to withdraw troops in UT and leave law and order to the J&K police, the former chief minister’s media adviser said the BJP does not what they say.

“First, they should repeal AFSPA and remove the army, then we will see who they empower. There is a slip between the cup and the lip. As far as the BJP is concerned, between the cup and the lip. The distance is too big, they don’t do what they say,” he said.

BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit said the UT has seen a change since August 2019, when the Center abrogated Article 370.

“The NC is the party that implemented laws like AFSPA, but the BJP is the party that is in the process of repealing it as things have improved in J-K,” said Altaf Thakur, BJP’s JK spokesperson. ”

He said that Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards peace and prosperity and time has come to cancel AFSPA.

People’s Conference chief Sajjad Lone said that the proposed abolition of AFSPA is an excellent step.

“Removing AFSPA will be a great step. Kashmiri people will welcome it. Let us take HM at his word and we hope he honors his word,” Lone said in a post on X.

In a clear jibe at the NC and Congress, Lone asked the Kashmiri leaders who ruled Jammu and Kashmir and their national partners who brought AFSPA and never withdrew it “would you please have the decency to remain silent. can”.

(CNI)