AFSPA temporary, it has to go: Congress

Jammu: The Congress on Sunday insisted that Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was temporary and maintained that it can be revoked only after proper consultations.

"AFSPA is a temporary law, it has to go. But, it will go by way of consultation. If the process is complete I will welcome it. If both the Union Home Minister and the Defence Minister agree on its revocation, I will agree with them," Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz told reporters on the sidelines of a day-long convention of district Congress Committee delegates here. Talking about upcoming elections in the state and the party`s prospects to form the government independently or in alliance with one of the regional parties, the senior Congress leader said "What is in Congress party`s interest, we will take that decision." Asked whether the party perceived PDP as a more reliable ally than the National Conference, Soz said "I will only speak when Congress will have to start analysing its numbers." Earlier while addressing delegates, he had maintained that Congress will emerge as a single largest party in the state. "It will be an exaggeration to say that we will form the government alone, but I believe Congress will emerge as the single largest party in the state," Soz said. Asked about empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state and the party`s commitment in this regard, he said "We are in the process, it will happen. We are not going for any compromise," and added that the party has put the issue of panchayats in its resolution and it will be settled before the upcoming elections. The JKPCC on Sunday unanimously passed a resolution on firmly seeking early elections to block development councils, district development planning boards and local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir. PTI