JK CM makes case for withdrawal of AFSPA in CM’s Conference

Scoop News April 16, 2012

New Delhi/Jammu, April 16 (Scoop News) - Making a case for withdrawal of AFSPA from areas and districts which are not affected by the insurgent and terrorist activities, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday said that he is of firm belief that the distinct change in the security environment in the State calls for reviewing the continuation of AFSPA.

Addressing Chief Minister’s Conference here, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said that Armed Forces Special Powers Act has played its role when the insurgency was at its peak. “However, now that there is a distinct change in the security environment in the State, there is a good case for reviewing the continuation of AFSPA from areas and districts which are not affected by the insurgent and terrorist activities.

“As the situation is fast improving the footprints of security forces need to be decreased progressively so that the people can feel the impact of the changed security scenario”, he said adding that 12 battalions of BSF and CRPF have been withdrawn from the State since 2009 besides removing 39 bunkers. He said more 24 bunkers are being removed from Srinagar city in the coming months.

Underlining the importance of continuous dialogue between India and Pakistan, Omar Abdullah said that conciliation and dialogue has, and will always remain the best medium of seeking solution to all the issues. “It is our firm belief that agitations and confrontations are no means to resolve the issues involving contradictory positions”, he said adding that the State Government has been emphasizing on the need for dialogue process and has welcomed the initiatives taken by the Central Government in this behalf.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government welcomes the recent talks between Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari. “The State Government would welcome all such measures which aim at restoring normalcy and bringing in lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir”, he added.

Flagging Cross LoC Trade as a major Confidence Building Measure (CBM) between India and Pakistan, the Chief Minister said that he has been emphasizing the need to further ease the Cross LoC Trade so that its benefits trickle down to the trading community across the LoC. “While a number of steps have been taken to ease the travel and trade across the Line of Actual Control, there is a need to further ease the Cross LoC Trade. There is a need for restoration of telephone links between Jammu and Kashmir and PoK and putting in place a proper institutional arrangement by replacing the current barter system of trade. I would request the Home Minister to take up the matter with the concerned ministries so that the Cross LoC Trade can flourish in real terms”, he maintained.

The Chief Minister also spoke about Rehabilitation Policy announced in 2010 and said that 1034 applications have been received from the parents and relatives of the prospective returnees under the Policy. “Of these, 67 cases have been recommended in high level committee meetings. A decision on these is required to be taken at the earliest”, he said calling for a mechanism to ensure safe return of these to the State to facilitate their transaction for leading peaceful lives, rejoining the national mainstream and contributing towards peace, prosperity and progress of Jammu and Kashmir and the Country.

Omar Abdullah also urged the Centre Government to take effective measures for implementing the recommendations made by the Interlocutors. “The Group of Interlocutors appointed by the Centre Government has submitted its report and I would urge the Government of India to take effective measures for implementing the recommendations made by the Interlocutors”, he said.

The Chief Minister said that after three continuous summers of discontent the State witnessed peaceful 2011 which has unfolded the promises of new beginning. “I am hopeful that peace dividends achieved in the year 2011 will continue to percolate to the people and usher a new year of peace and development in the State”, he said mentioning the cooperation of people in maintaining the tranquility.

Omar Abdullah also underlined the commitment and professionalism of security forces and J&K Police and the adoption of newly framed Standing Operating Procedures (SPOs) to control law and order disturbances. “The overall security scenario during 2011 has shown remarkable improvement and all indices of violence have shown a declined trend. The number of terrorist incidents declined”, he said adding that strict surveillance of borders by the security forces and their tireless efforts in neutralising the terrorists has resulted in considerable reduction in infiltration bids. However, Omar Abdullah opposed the amendment to the Sections 4 and 139 of BSF Act 1968 aimed at giving BSF powers of arrest, search and seizure.

The Chief Minister said that Kashmir Valley witnessed a record number of tourist arrivals in the year 2011. He said that the number of pilgrims to Shri Amarnath Ji was registered at more than 6.3 lakhs. He said the number of yatris to Mata Vaishno Devi also crossed one crore mark during the last year. He gave credit for this to people of Jammu and Kashmir and also mentioned phenomenal role of various law enforcing agencies. “The peaceful summer also witnessed increased cultural and social activities, reminding us of the tranquillity which prevailed prior to the breakout of turbulence in 90’s and thereafter”, he added and said that even though there has been an improvement in the overall security situation the threat to peace has not completed vanished.

“I must caution that the progressive improvement in the security situation should not lead us to complacency. We have to continue to maintain constant vigil and alertness and ensure, at the same time, that the fundamental rights and civil liberties granted to our citizens by the constitution are scrupulously maintained and respected. Therefore, while tackling the remnants of militancy with stern hand, the State Government is committed to a policy of zero tolerance viz-a-viz the infringement of human rights”, the Chief Minister asserted.

The Chief Minister said that while the State Police has achieved an enviable level of expertise in handling militancy and terrorist related incidents, it is still in the process of transaction in the handling of law and order situations of the kind now being seen in Jammu and Kashmir. “Five
Battalions have been specially trained for law and order maintenance duties”, he said urging the Centre Government for providing the necessary assistance to further upgrade the skills of the State Police so that it is able to handle law and order situation more effectively and take over the responsible of law and order gradually.

Underscoring the need for enhancing honorarium of Special Police Officials (SPOs), the Chief Minister said that SPOs have been playing an important role in assisting the Police in fighting militancy in the State. “An SPO is being paid an honorarium of Rs. 3000 per month. Keeping in view their contribution there is a need to enhance their honorarium so as to boost their morale and motivate them for better delivery”, he added.

The Conference was chaired by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh while the Home Minister, P. Chidambaram and the Chief Ministers, Lt. Governors, Union Home Secretary and top ranking officers of the Centre and State Governments attended.