NC pursuing removal of AFSPA from peaceful areas: Farooq

"My party is pursuing removal of AFSPA from areas where peace has returned," the NC president and Union minister for New and Renewable Energy told a party convention in Rajouri district, some 180-km from here.

"AFSPA will be removed gradually in view of perceptible improvement in the security scenario." Abdullah said. Asserting Panchayats will be given plenary powers, he said full empowerment of these institutions is imperative to make them excellent centres of public services.

Urging people to avail benefits of renewable energy schemes, the NC president asked panchs and sarpanchs to identify villages which could be covered under these programmes.

Abdullah said Sher-e-Kashmir's dream project -- Mughal Road -- has been constructed and efforts are on to open up Rajouri-Poonch to tourism to generate economic activities on a large scale.

He said famous handicrafts like Chikri woodwork and blankets produced in these areas would emerge as potential and profitable ventures for the local youth producing employment on a large scale.

He said the historic Chingus spot and many other attractive destinations will attract tourists to these areas and generate gainful employment avenues.