Hurriyat decries Army chief's stand on AFSPA

SRINAGAR: Moderate Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on Tuesday Army chief General Bikram Singh's stand on AFSPA was like "rubbing salt into the wounds" of Kashmiri people.  "Gen Singh's statement on AFSPA is like rubbing salt into the wounds of Kashmiris. The controversial law which gives sweeping powers to seven lakh armed forces stationed in the Valley has made life difficult for the people," Hurriyat said in a statement. Gen Singh had on Monday said there should be no dilution in AFSPA.  The spokesman said the Army chief's statement was an indication of the aggressive policy adopted by the Centre in "crushing the peaceful movement of Kashmiris by use of force".  "On one hand, the government claims that situation is peaceful and it is making the atmosphere conducive for dialogue process, while on the other hand there is clear contradiction between the civilian authorities and Army on the sweeping powers to the armed forces," the spokesman said. He said the tension between India and Pakistan along the line of control was a result of Kashmir issue. The spokesman said unless Kashmir issue is resolved, there will be no end to tension along the borders and peace in the region shall remain elusive.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Hurriyat-decries-Army-chiefs-stand-on-AFSPA/articleshow/18034838.cms