Srinagar: With elections looming, Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement, suggesting that the Government of India would consider revoking the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from Jammu and Kashmir and has a roadmap for withdrawing troops from the region, triggered reactions from Kashmir's two major political parties, the NC and PDP.
In an interview, Shah said that the government would indeed contemplate revoking AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir in the future, adding “The situation is improving, A change in the state of affairs is under consideration.”
“We have plans to withdraw troops and entrust law and order solely to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Previously, the J&K police lacked trust from New Delhi, but now they are leading efforts to manage any situation,” he said.
However, JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah called the statement misleading and stated that any further delay in this matter was unnecessary.
“When the Government of India declares that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is normal and militancy and separatism have ceased, then there is no reason for them to delay the removal of AFSPA. I believe there is no need for further delay,” Omar Abdullah said.
“I am waiting for this day since 2011. We made a lot of efforts to remove the AFSPA. The same deceptive tactics were used with the people of Ladakh regarding the restoration of Statehood and the sixth Schedule and are now being employed with the people of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.”
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti mentioned that this stance was a crucial component of their Agenda of Alliance, and mutually agreed upon by the BJP.
“PDP has consistently demanded the revocation of draconian AFSPA along with a gradual removal of troops. It also formulated an important part of our Agenda of Alliance wholeheartedly agreed upon by BJP. Der aayee durust aaye. Better late than never but only if it isn’t jumlebaazi like generating two crore jobs every year or empty promises of depositing 15 lacs into bank accounts. One can only hope that they fulfill their commitment at least in this case since it would bring a huge relief to the people of JK,” she wrote on X.
She further added, “To walk the talk perhaps MHA can start by releasing journalists and thousands of young Kashmiri boys currently languishing in jails without any charges or prosecution.”
AFSPA stands for the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. It is an act passed by the Indian Parliament in 1958 to grant special powers to the armed forces deployed in "disturbed areas" to maintain public order. The Act gives the armed forces certain powers such as the authority to arrest without a warrant and to shoot to kill under certain circumstances. It has been a subject of controversy and criticism due to allegations of human rights abuses in areas where it is implemented.