JOIN USModerate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday said Army Chief General Bikram Singh’s stand on AFSPA was like rubbing salt into the wounds of Kashmiri people.
“Gen Singh’s statement on AFSPA is like rubbing salt into the wounds of Kashmiris. The controversial law which gives sweeping powers to seven lakh armed forces stationed in the Valley has made life difficult for the people,” Hurriyat said in a statement.
On Monday, Gen Singh said there should be no dilution in Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The spokesman said the Army chief’s statement was an indication of the aggressive policy adopted by the Centre in “crushing the peaceful movement of Kashmiris by use of force”.
“On one hand, the government claims that situation is peaceful and it is making the atmosphere conducive for dialogue process, while on the other hand there is clear contradiction between the civilian authorities and army on the sweeping powers to the armed forces,” the spokesman said.
He said the tension between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control was a result of Kashmir issue. Unless Kashmir issue was resolved, there would be no end to tension along the borders and peace in the region shall remain elusive, he added.