Mufti for scrapping armed forces special act

Jammu, Tuesday, February 26, 2008:

Former chief minister of Indian administered Kashmir and Patron of the ruling ally, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Tuesday asked for revocation of the infamous Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and reduction of troops in the region.

In a statement issued here today, Sayeed said the "emerging positive situation" now unquestionably demands initiation of measures like revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and thinning of the troop strength deployed in the state.

The AFSPA gives extraordinary powers to troops such as shooting a person on mere suspicion.

"Even one of the Working Groups constituted by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has recommended commencement of such measures," Sayeed said.

PDP had been vocal about the reduction of troops in Indian administered Kashmir and is pursuing "self-rule" as a viable option for Kashmir resolution.

Sayeed also demanded safe return of Kashmiri youth who had crossed LoC for seeking arms training besides rehabilitation of the dependents of victims of violence and Kashmiri Pandits.

Thousands of crossed over to Pakistan administered Kashmir to join rebels after the outbreak of an armed anti-India insurgency in Indian administered Kashmir in 1989.

The minority Hindu population of Kashmir Valley also migrated in large numbers mainly to Jammu province of the region and to other Indian states.

feedback@kashmirnewz.com

Explore

Also Read
Global geoscientists talk oil exploration in Kashmir The controversy of Kashmir.com Forgotten roadside memorials in Kashmir jkbank on sale

Explore