Jammu: Asserting that there was a rightful
case for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from
areas where Army is not operating, Jammu and Kashmir Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that he would pursue the
issue to its logical conclusion.
"I believe the line we have taken (on withdrawal of
AFSPA) is based on logic not on emotions. I intend to pursue
it to its logical conclusion," Abdullah told reporters here
today.
Omar was posed with questions about withdrawal of AFSPA
by the media during a function in connection with completion
of three years of coalition government led by the National
Conference (NC).
The government, which had taken oath on January five,
2009, today released the three-year report card of their
governance, development and policies they had formulated and
implemented on the ground during the period.
"I believe that there is a rightful case for gradual
withdrawal of AFSPA from those areas where army is not
operating for years", he said.
The Chief Minister further said, "I am certain of my
position that I have taken now and as earlier (on the issue of
withdrawal of AFSPA)".
"It is not a question of coming years. I intend to pursue
in the coming weeks and months", the Chief Minister said
adding "the issue is not the back burner--just because it is
not being talked about-- does not mean that it is not being
pursued".
"At various levels the discussions are on both within
the state between the civil and security establishments and
also on the central level as well", he said.
PTI
