PDP demands revocation of AFSPA

Demanding the revocation of AFSPA and reduction of troops from J&K, Opposition PDP today said the improved ground situation has made the armed forces law "unnecessary" in the state.

Demanding the revocation of AFSPA and reduction of troops from Jammu and Kashmir, Opposition PDP on Wednesday said the improved ground situation has made the armed forces law "unnecessary" in the state.

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Calling for immediate roll back of AFSPA and withdrawal of extra troops from civilian areas, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti told the Assembly each of us here in the House should think over what kind of legacy we want to present our coming generations.

"Should we leave behind a garrisons where civilians also survive or a proud civil society in which armed forces come to its aid when called, as happens in any free and democratic society," she said.

She added further "if ever it (AFSPA) had any utility, the law has clearly outlived and the vastly improved ground situation has made it an unnecessary tool of repression".

Mufti also demanded release of all political detainees, including hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

She also appealed to the state governor to reopen the routes which link the valley to Pakistan occupied Kashmir and other Central Asian countries, including Iran.