Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah has sought amendment or partial withdrawl of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in the state. Abdullah, who met the Prime Minister this evening, discussed the latest situation in the violence-hit Kashmir valley. Later, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Iftar party hosted by the Prime Minister, Mr. Abdullah said that he has requested the Prime Minister to take a decision on withdrawing AFSPA from some areas where it was not required. He said that to begin with four districts could be chosen on experimental basis. Mr. Obdullah also described his discussion with the Prime Minister as very good. During the meeting, the Chief Minister also stressed the need for a comprehensive political dialogue with shades of opinion. He also sought from the Prime Minister the steps to deal with unemployment and a comprehensive package for people who have suffered during the present unrest in the valley. The Cabinet Committee on Security is also likely to meet on Friday to discuss threadbare the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, during his interaction with Select Group of Editors on Monday, Dr. Manmohan Singh had indicated that the centre could initiate new steps to break the impasse. He had also said that there is a need to use more human methods rather than lethal weapons to deal with the crowds.
News On AIR | September 8, 2010 9:04 PM
J&K CM Omar meets Prime Minister; Seeks amendment to armed forces special powers act