PC backs Omar’s stand on AFSPA withdrawal
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Monday defended the views of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on partial dismantling of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), but said the Congress demand for more consultations on the issue was “understandable.”
He said the review of the Act was part of a decision taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on September 25, last year.
Chidambaram’s comment came close on the heels of Congress state chief Saifuddin Soz taking exception to the alliance partner National Congress (NC) expressing his view on the issue without consulting his party.
“The CCS had approved an eight-point agenda or programme to restore normalcy in J&K. As per the sixth point of the programme, the Centre decided to request the state government to undertake a review of the Disturbed Area notification,” Chidambaram said.
“Since then, discussions have been undertaken at various levels to review the notification (relating to disturbed areas). There is nothing unusual in the chief minister's statement to quicken the process,” he said. The Congress state unit had demanded more discussions on the issue.
“It is perfectly understandable. If more consultation is needed, it will be done,” Chidambaram said.
The minister, while presenting the monthly report of his ministry here, said the CCS, of which he himself is a part, discussed review of security, dismantling of bunkers in Srinagar and review of areas under the unified command under the Act. A final decision on the AFSPA is yet to be taken by the Home Ministry.
On the interlocutors’ report on Kashmir, the minister said he was examining it and would later report to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.Asked to comment on a report that China “may be planning a Kargil” on India, the minister said security forces are more than capable of defending Indian borders.
About the Delhi HC blast probe, Chidambaram said the arrested have hinted at the involvement of three others for whom a man hunt is under way. A conclusion could be reached after the three others are apprehended, he said.
Lift law where there is peace: Farooq
Srinagar, dhns: Strongly defending his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the AFSPA revocation issue, Union Minister and National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said on Monday that there is a favourable public opinion in the state towards lifting the restrictions. Talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of a function here, Abdullah said: “If there is peace, lift the law for the betterment of people.” He said the public opinion across the country has been that the law is not required.
