'Kathua attack eye opener for those seeking AFSPA withdrawal'

Taking a dig at its ally PDP, Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said the terrorist attack in Kathua should be an "eye opener" for those who have been pressing for withdrawal of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir, and called for taking "appropriate" steps to contain terrorism emanating from Pakistan.

Reacting strongly, senior Congress leader from the state Ghulam Nabi Azad termed the attack as a "backstabbing" by the Pakistan and said militancy and peace can't go hand-in-hand.

Union Minister Singh, who is an MP from Udhampur in J-K, said the attack reflected that Pakistan was refusing to mend its ways and it was time to take an "appropriate position" to deal with problem of cross border terror.

"As an elected representative from Kathua, two important observations come to my mind that possibly Pakistan is refusing to mend its ways and, therefore, we would have to take an appropriate position to that extent.

"Secondly and most importantly, I think this should also be an eye opener and loud and clear message for those political votaries who have been advocating revocation of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, partially or wholly," Singh said.

He said the Centre has been adopting "zero tolerance" policy towards terrorist activities.
A 'fidayeen' squad of militants in Army fatigues stormed a police station in Kathua, killing three security personnel and leaving 11 others, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police injured, in the wee hours today.