New Delhi: Terming the issue of withdrawal of
Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) as "very very
sensitive", Defence Minister AK Antony on Monday said the matter
has to be handled in a "mature and cool" manner.
Antony said he had "very frank" and "very fruitful"
discussions with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah yesterday but it was inconclusive.
"On our side, my opinion is that this being a very very
sensitive issue, let us handle it in a very mature and cool
manner," he told reporters here in reply to questions on the
issue of withdrawal of AFSPA in certain areas of the state.
During his meeting with Antony, Abdullah, who has been
pressing for revocation of the controversial law from certain
parts of the state, presented his case.
Antony said inter-Governmental consultations are taking
place and discussions on the issue will continue.
To a question on the security situation in the state, the
Defence Minister said it was much better. "But considering
that the infiltration attempts from across the border are
continuing, we have to be careful 24/7."
When asked if the AFSPA issue would come up at a meeting
of the Cabinet Committee on Security this week, he said:
"Don't put any time limit."
PTI
First Published: Monday, November 14, 2011, 18:37