Promise of Revoking AFSPA in J&K Made in View of LS Polls: Omar Abdullah

PTK News Desk 

National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah emphasized that the promise to revoke the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir is intricately tied to the looming Lok Sabha polls. Abdullah expressed apprehension, citing concerns that the populace could face a fate similar to Ladakh, where promises regarding the Sixth Schedule were allegedly reneged upon.

Abdullah’s remarks follow local media reports quoting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, affirming the BJP-led Centre’s consideration of repealing AFSPA in the future for Jammu and Kashmir.

Expressing a long-standing anticipation since 2011, Abdullah highlighted previous efforts to dismantle AFSPA during his tenure as chief minister. However, he cautioned against potential disillusionment among the people, fearing a repetition of Ladakh’s experience.

Advocating for immediate action, Abdullah underscored the incongruity between central leaders’ assertions of normalcy restoration in Jammu and Kashmir and the persistent presence of AFSPA. He questioned the delay in revoking AFSPA, given claims of diminishing militancy and separatist sentiments.

Reportedly, private television news channel “Gulistan News” quoted Shah elucidating a favorable shift in the region’s dynamics, signaling a potential reconsideration of AFSPA. These developments coincide with the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, slated to commence on April 19, with vote counting scheduled for June 4.

The discourse surrounding AFSPA’s status in Jammu and Kashmir continues to be a focal point amidst the political landscape, underscoring the intertwined nature of governance, security, and electoral dynamics in the region.