JOIN USMufti raises AFSPA with Parrikar
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed discussed partial revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from certain parts of the state with visiting Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar here on Friday.
Sources told Deccan Herald that the meeting between Mufti and Parrikar lasted for over half-an-hour where the former pitched for revoking the controversial Act from some areas on a trial basis.
Mufti told Parrikar that normalcy has almost returned in Jammu and Srinagar. People in large numbers exercised their franchise. People should reap the dividends of peace and this can be ensured by revoking the Act, sources said. “Mufti also told him about his meeting with Army commanders in J&K over the issue,” they added.
Mufti also urged the Defence Minister to reduce the number of soldiers in the state so that people feel some change on the ground. “Parrikar assured Mufti that every measure is being taken to carry out anti-militancy operation without any collateral damage and there is no space for human rights violations,” sources said.
Earlier on his arrival at Srinagar airport, the Defence Minister was received by senior officers of the Army and civil administration. From there, he flew to 15-Corps headquarters. Parrikar was briefed about the overall security scenario prevailing at the Line of Control and hinterland by GOC 15-Coprs Lt Gen Subrata Saha. During the briefing, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suha, GoC-in-Chief northern Command, Lt Gen D S Hooda were present.
“He was briefed about operational preparedness and given a review of security situation in reference to the upcoming Amarnath Yatra,” a top Army official, who was the part of briefing, told Deccan Herald adding that Parrikar was also briefed about counter infiltration grid.
Later, the Defence Minister drove to Raj Bhavan where he discussed various important matters relating to effective management of internal and external security with Governor N N Vohra.
Earlier in the morning, Parrikar visited Siachen Glacier and interacted with troops. He was accompanied by Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag and Lt Gen Hooda.The minister was briefed about the frequent intrusion by Chinese army (PLA) in Chumur near Daulat Beg Oldie by senior army commanders at Headquarters of 14 Corps in Leh.
He said Parrikar asked the commanders on ground to be vigilant. “He also asked the Army to assist ITBP in areas deployed along India-China border in Ladakh region whenever need arises.”