AIP to launch campaign against AFSPA and PSA

SRINAGAR, Sep 17: Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) today announced that it will start a campaign to develop consensus between various political parties of different shades to form a joint strategy for the revocation of AFSPA and PSA. This was disclosed by the party president and MLA Langate Engineer Rashid at a press conference here. “All the political parties whether from separatist or main stream camp have been constantly and rightly so, alleging that AFSPA is a draconian law that gives securityforces a license to kill and ensures that security forces especially army does not hold themselves accountable before any law, as the dirty AFSPA gives them impunity.

He said that from Geelani Sahib to Omer Abdullah and from Mirwaiz to Mufti Mohammad Syed every politician has been strongly advocating for the revocation of AFSPA since long but unfortunately New Delhi does not even bother even to consider their genuine demand, rather in turn have been revealing some times in response to RTI quires and some times in parliament that state govt. had never formally or officially approached centre that AFSPA be revoked. “This colonial and biased attitude proves the height of arrogance and desire by New Delhi to take genuine aspirations of Kashmiris far granted. New Delhi not only has been humiliating and under estimating Kashmiri politicians but also trying give protection to atrostries on Kashmiri people under the cover of AFSPA Similarly so called Public Safety Act has become a tool in the hands of police and other agencies which they very often use as a weapon to stop Kashmiris from raising their genuine voice,” he said.

Rashid said that there is hardly be a political party, leader or a common man of what so ever political thought, which has not been demanding revocation of AFSPA and abolishing of PSA as every Kashmiri has suffered the taste of these inhuman laws but unfortunately it hardly, makes a difference. “ It is high time for the Kashmiri leaders to stop cold blooded murders, innocent killings, save honor and prestige of Kashmiris and secure future of small kids by forcing New Delhi to repeal AFSPA and also make a consensus to facilitate and compel state govt. to get PSA abolished.”

Rashid also said that his party has decided to approach every political party of any shade to form a joint strategy to remove AFSPA and PSA. He said. “I have already communicated many political parties and individuals including Omer Abdullah and Mufti Syed and sought anappointment with them to frame a joint strategy, so that state and central govt. are motivated and forced to remove these draconian laws. We will knock door of both main stream and separatist politicians and parties and request them to reach a joint strategy for removal of these laws. Joining hands will definitely bring some sense of security among Kashmiris whose life has become a hell. Let Kashmiri leaders realize their duties and not feel shy in talking to each other. There is no option but to have a consensus over these burning issues and to get rid of dirty notorious man eater called AFSPA.

Though revocation of AFSPA or PSA can by no means resolve Kashmir dispute but certainly can give some self confidence and sense ofsecurity to the common masses and can also make security forces accountable to a large extent. Joining hands over this noble cause does not necessarily mean that some body is diluting from his stand or subscribing to any other ideology, neither will it make some one tall or small.” He further said that we are shortly writing letters to different political parties and leaders in this regard besides visiting them and will wait for their positive response till a stipulated time.

Source:http://www.kashmirtimes.com/newsdet.aspx?q=22828

Majlis demands revocation of AFSPA, disbanding of VDCs in JK

Source: http://www.risingkashmir.in/

Amarnath yatra touches 3 lakh

Holy Mace taken to Pahalgam

SRINAGAR/JAMMU, July 22: While’ Bhoomi Poojan and Dhwajardhan’ were performed on the occasion of ‘Vyas- Purnima’ today after the silver mace (Chhari Mubarak) of Lord Shiva was taken to Amarnath cave shrine base camp Pahalgam, the Amarnath yatra also touched three lakh mark in last 25 days with 6,422 pilgrims performing darshan of Ice lingam of Lord Shiva till this evening. According to an official spokesman, 6,422 yatris performed darshan in the holy cave of Lord Shiva situated at an altitude of 3880 metres in Lidder Valley in South Kashmir district of Anantnag today.

He said 2,93,008 pilgrims had performed darshan in the cave shrine till yesterday evening which took the total number to 2,99,430.

Source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/amarnath-yatra-touches-3-lakh/

Omar raising AFSPA, autonomy to hide his failure: BJP

15 Jul Lashing at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for mis-governance and failure on all fronts in the state, BJP today said he is raising the AFSPA bogey and greater autonomy, only to divert people's attention from the failure of his government. "The Chief Minister is raising the issues of withdrawal of AFSPA, autonomy and others to divert people's attention from failure of his government," senior BJP leader and in-charge of Rajouri-Poonch-Nowshera districts Kuldeep Raj Gupta told reporters here today. Lashing at NC government for total failure on all fronts, he said "the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch still remain neglected and discriminated in matters related to development and welfare schemes." More than 2,000 people have sacrificed their lives after the outburst of militancy in Rajouri district alone, Gupta said, adding that hundreds of crores of rupees are being spent for developmental works in these districts, but the ground situation is different.

Source:PTI

अफस्पा हटाना संभव नहीं तो कुछ संशोधन होने चाहिए

09 Jul  श्रीनगर : आ‌र्म्ड फोर्स स्पेशल पावर एक्ट (अफस्पा) पर केंद्र सरकार के रुख को देखते हुए मुख्यमंत्री उमर अब्दुल्ला ने सुझाव दिया कि अगर मौजूदा हालात में इसे हटाना संभव नहीं है तो इसमें कुछ संशोधन और बदलाव जरूर किए जाने चाहिए, ताकि सुरक्षाबल इस कानून का अनुचित लाभ न उठा सकें और जनता को भी कुछ राहत मिले।

उमर ने कहा कि यह कानून लगभग 23 साल पहले जम्मू-कश्मीर में लागू किया गया था। तब और अब के हालात में बहुत बदलाव आया है। उन्होंने कहा कि राज्य में जन सुरक्षा अधिनियम (पीएसए) भी बहुत सख्त था, लेकिन हमने इसमें कई बदलाव और संशोधन लाए हैं। इसी तरह केंद्र को भी चाहिए कि वह अफस्पा में बदलाव लाए। उन्होंने कहा कि मैं पहला व्यक्ति हूं, जिसने स्वीकार किया कि हैदरपोरा में सेना के काफिले पर हमला और उसके बाद मरकुंडल में दो युवकों की मौत ने अफस्पा पर दो तरह की राय को मजबूत किया है। अफस्पा को बनाए रखने वाले हैदरपोरा की घटना का तर्क देंगे और इसे हटाने की मांग करने वाले मरकुंडल में दो युवकों की मौत का हवाला। हमें दोनों पक्षों को समझते हुए बीच का रास्ता निकालना चाहिए, जो सबसे ज्यादा महत्वपूर्ण है।

मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि मरकुंडल की घटना हो या वर्ष 2010 की मच्छल फर्जी मुठभेड़, इसी कानून के तहत मिली छूट का नतीजा है। उन्होंने कहा कि जिन इलाकों में इसकी जरूरत है, उन इलाकों में इसे रहने दिया जाए और जहां जरूरत नहीं, वहां से हटाया जाए। अगर ऐसा संभव नहीं तो इसके कुछ प्रावधानों में संशोधन किया जाना चाहिए। मुख्यमंत्री ने कहा कि सेना को अपने आतंरोधी अभियानों के लिए इस कानून का सहारा चाहिए। हम इसे बनाए रखने के पक्षधर हैं, लेकिन कुछ बदलावों के साथ। उन्होंने वर्ष 2014 के विधानसभा चुनावों में अफस्पा के एक प्रमुख मुद्दे के तौर पर उभरने की संभावना जताते हुए कहा कि मैं चाहता हूं केंद्र इस पर जल्द से जल्द कोई सकारात्मक फैसला ले।

Source: http://www.jagran.com/

AFSPA needed in J&K: Khurshid

SRINAGAR, June 28: External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today said Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was needed in Jammu and Kashmir to protect the lives of soldiers as they are the ones who defend the country. “This case is not to be decided by me. It is to be taken by the Home Minister, Defence Minister and, of course, the Prime Minister, who will finally take a call,” Mr. Khurshid said. He added that there was a sense of loss and tragedy, which was not only limited to the civilian population of places where AFSPA was in force. “You think it is limited to only one section. We have lost some very brave people also. They did not come here on their own will. They were given orders. The latest count is of eight Army people who lost their lives,” he said in an apparent reference to the Srinagar terror attack on June 24, a day before the Prime Minister’s visit to the state.

The Union minister said that, irrespective of grievances against any state agency, people working there are also human beings who need to be protected. Referring to AFSPA in the north-east and drawing a parallel with Kashmir, Mr. Khurshid said, “This kind of discourse and discussion goes on there also. No one imposes AFSPA for fun. Circumstances become such that it has to be imposed. What kind of supervision and accountability should be there is discussed not only here but also in Delhi by people who are not under this Act,” he added.

Source: http://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=110299

Article 370 has done no good to people: Gupta

JAMMU, June 27: Former Union Minister and Member Legislative Assembly (MLA), Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has deplored the use of the official visit of the Prime Minister for raising highly controversial issues like that of strengthening the Article 370 and keeping silence over the activities of secessionists and semi–separatists. Prof Gupta said that canards were being spread that Article 370 is linked with the Accession of the State of J&K with Indian Union and it is bridge between J&K and rest of the country. He pointed out that in October, 1949, after two years of the accession, this Article was adopted. The Maharaja of the State, had signed the same instrument of accession which was signed by about 558 Princes and Nawabs of country. It is wrong to link Article 370 with accession and term this as a bridge, he added.

                Prof Gupta said that the Article 370 has done no good to the people of the State. This is not only against the interests of unity of the country but also has harmed the interests of the people of the State in so many ways, he added.  He said that this obnoxious provision has breeded secessionism, terrorism and provided opportunity to the ruling clan to play havoc with democratic rights of the people. He maintained that in addition to secessionism this Article has come to be a hurdle in the growth of industrial sector which is resulting in unemployment, backwardness and so many other problems. Those who are advocating separate status and retention of Article 370 are doing no good to the people and they are trying to cover up their own failures. They are trying to raise emotional and secessionists/ semi-secessionist slogans to serve their ends, he alleged.

Source: http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/article-370-has-done-no-good-to-people-gupta/

Advani hits back at Omar

PTI

New Delhi, June 28: Against the backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah slamming him on the issue of revocation of Article 370, senior BJP leader L K Advani Friday advised him not to use words like “cheating and deceiving” and clarified that his party has always been opposed to it. In his latest blog posting, Advani said even the Congress party- other than Jawaharlal Nehru and a few other leaders- were strongly opposed to giving a special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Advani quotes from a biography of Sardar Patel to argue that even he was against Article 370 but kept his views in the background out of his regard for Nehru. "J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has every right to disagree with the BJP on matters relating to J&K. But I would advise him never to use offensive language and words like ‘cheating’ and ‘deceiving’ in that context,” he said on his blog.

Advani had recently said Article 370 should be revoked. Omar had responded and accused of for raising the "false boggy of revocation" of the provision. Holding that it is "highly improper" for anyone to use offensive words like "cheating" in the context of BJP’s stand on J&K, Advani said, “BJP has not only been unequivocal, forthright and consistent from the time Jana Sangh (BJP’s predecessor) was born in 1951 till today, but it is an issue for which the Party’s founder – president laid down his own life”.

Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, who founded the Jana Sangh was arrested in Jammu and Kashmir in 1952 when he tried to enter the state without a permit which was required then to go to there. He died- allegedly under mysterious circumstances during his incarceration. "Since our very first all India session at Kanpur, we have been championing complete integration of J&K State with India,” Advani said. He said Omar should be aware that the Jana Sangh was not even formed when the special status was given to J&K. "However, if there was any provision in the Draft Constitution which had almost the entire Congress Party up in arms against it, it was this provision. This issue was considered by the Constituent Assembly in November, 1949 just two months before the Constitution was formally adopted,” Advani said.

Quoting extensively from a book 'My Reminiscences of Sardar Patel", written by V.Shankar, private secretary of Sardar Patel, BJP leader said Nehru had finalised the draft of the provision in consultation with Sheikh Abdullah, Omar’s grandfather, before going on a foreign visit. He left it to fellow Congress leader Gopalaswamy Ayyangar to defend it before the Congress Parliamentary Party. “Though Sardar Patel was against this idea, he went ahead. However, due to stiff opposition from Congress members- who shouted down even Maulana Azad on the issue- Patel said due to ‘international complications’ only a provisional approach could be made,” added Advani.

Source: http://www.risingkashmir.in/news/advani-hits-back-at-omar-50152.aspx

Home ministry rules out withdrawl of AFSPA from Srinagar

NEW DELHI: The Union home ministry has ruled out withdrawal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Srinagar, arguing that the terrorist attack on Monday that left eight Army personnel dead had eliminated such a possibility in the near future.

An official of the home ministry told ET that the attack on the Army convoy on the Srinagar bypass road had strengthened the case of the forces, even as Jammu & Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah had been pressing the Centre to enable his government to send out a political message ahead of the assembly elections in the state next year. "The Army has been objecting to lifting AFSPA from Srinagar, saying its convoys going up to the Line of Control pass through Srinagar and hence they need AFSPA protection in the event they come under a militant attack within Srinagar's limits," said the official, who did not wish to be named.

This is exactly what happened on Monday, the official pointed out, when a convoy was travelling on the Srinagar bypass road in the Hyderpora area. "This strengthens the Army's case for continuance of AFSPA in Srinagar though there is no Army presence in Srinagar," he added.

Abdullah has been demanding withdrawal of AFSPA from Srinagar and three other districts of the state, saying militancy has gone down in the summer capital of the state over the years. "We cannot wait for the last gun to fall silent before moving ahead positively on this important issue," Abdullah had said on June 5. The official, however, said that technically the state government has to decide on lifting the Disturbed Areas Act from Srinagar.

Source: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-06-26/news/40207046_1_srinagar-afspa-disturbed-areas-act

NCTC meet: Omar urges for a mechanism to repeal AFSPA

Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir arrives at the Chief Ministers' Conference on Internal Security in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photo: S. Subramanium.

The Hindu Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir arrives at the Chief Ministers' Conference on Internal Security in New Delhi on Wednesday.  Making a strong pitch for phased removal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday asked the Centre to set in motion a mechanism which could guide in repealing of the act from the state.

Highlighting the situation in the State improved continuously, he said the year 2012 was by far the best in the past 25 years in terms of all parameters and all indices of violence have shown a constant and continuous decline.  “The percentage of terrorist related incidents have decreased by 35 per cent during the year 2012 as compared to the year 2011. During the year there has been a significant decline in all types of causalities, 54 per cent of security forces and 40 per cent of the civilians,” Mr. Omar said in his speech at the Chief Minister’s Conference on Internal Security being chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“Most people will share my optimism that the overall security situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has improved significantly, and as of now, there are many districts of the state which have not witnessed militancy related incidents for quite some time,” he said, adding this “gives us the confidence” that some of special laws like AFSPA need to be revisited.  “I have been consistently advocating for phased withdrawal of AFPSA from the state, in the beginning from the areas which have been free from militancy for quite some time,” he said and cited the recommendation of working groups set by the Prime Minister as well as report of interlocutors who also recommended revocation of AFPSA.  “Keeping in view the improved security scenario, I would strongly urge the government of India to set in motion a mechanism which can guide us for the removal of AFPSA,” he said.

Advocating for early resumption of talks with separatists as well as Pakistan, Mr. Omar said, “I am of the firm belief that all outstanding issues, however contentious they may be, can be resolved through a process of sustained and sincere dialogue. “I strongly hold the position that a constructive and a meaningful dialogue with people holding different shades of opinion in the state can narrow down the differences and facilitate towards a common agreed solution,” he said. Similarly, there is also a need to resume the dialogue with the neighbouring country and further add to the list of confidence building measures, he said.  “The improved relations between India and Pakistan have a definite positive impact in the security situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir,” Mr. Omar said.

The Chief Minister said that the youth of the state had been making great strides in education and other fields as the number of candidates qualifying the central civil services examination was increasing year after year. “... However, our students pursuing studies outside the state in different parts of the country and those in other professions need a conducive and safe environment to enable them to realise their dreams and contribute in nation building,” he said and appealed to other Chief Ministers as well as the Centre to promote and provide safe environment to the people of the state who are pursuing their studies and vocations. “This will be a positive step in boosting their confidence and encourage them to move to different parts of the country for seeking educational and employment opportunities,” he said.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nctc-meet-omar-urges-for-a-mechanism-to-repeal-afspa/article4784540.ece

PDP Slams Omar Over Revocation of AFSPA Demand

Srinagar | Jun 03, 2013 Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on revocation of AFSPA saying the demand is "meaningless in view of the repression let loose" by the state government. "The noise made by National Conference (NC) on Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) are patently phoney and meaningless in view of the repression let loose by it on the people of the state," PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said at a function here. The former Chief Minister said the NC-led government has reduced the demand for revocation of AFSPA to a mere slogan. "People of Kashmir have witnessed worst atrocities and repression from the present government, which is comparable only with records of its own previous governments. "Youths have been framed in fake cases jeopardising their future and hundreds have been injured or rendered disabled by the use of atrocious crowd control methods like pellet guns and chilly bombs, which is used only in Kashmir," Sayeed said.

The gulf between perception and practice of the NC has been a historical fact and it has come out most pronouncedly during the past five years of their rule, he said. Sayeed said that he had urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a recent meeting that the change in Pakistan should be seized upon to engage the neighbouring country in serious dialogue on all issues including Kashmir. "It was encouraging that Pakistan has overcome its internal contradictions through democratic process and hopefully the two countries will work seriously for resolution of the Kashmir-issue," he added.

Source: http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=799808

Time ripe for AFSPA repeal: Soz

Srinagar, May 27: Asking Hurriyat leaders to come forward and talk to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh scheduled to visit Kashmir next month, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saif u Din Soz Monday said time was right for revocation of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). “I think there is a consensus on AFSPA. In my personal opinion and as a head of State Congress, I believe that AFSPA should be lifted from few places in Jammu and Kashmir,” Soz told reporters here today.  Maintaining that there is no need for a public debate on the issue, he said, “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who heads the Unified Command, should raise it for debate in Unified command meet. However, one cannot create a public debate on AFSPA and it will never be helpful.”“My understanding is that AFSPA is a central law and has to go at some point of time,” Soz said. He said the issues like AFSPA should not be used for political purposes. “AFSPA was needed at one point of time but it has fufilled its purpose and should be lifted from some peaceful areas”.

Referring to Public Safety Act, Soz said, “State laws like PSA need amendments. There are some controversial provisions in this law, which have hurt the public sentiment. Our own lawmakers have made this law and we can amend it on our own”. Referring to Delhi Hurriyat talks, he said Hurriyat should start talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Sigh, who is scheduled to visit Kashmir next month. “The doors of dialogue are open and Hurriyat should hold talks with PM. Talks only will lead to the political stability and the dialogue process will also be strengthened,” he said.He asserted that dialogue is only solution. “As a Kashmiri, I invite Hurriyat leaders to talk to PM”.

Source: http://www.risingkashmir.in/

Power, water and AFSPA

 May 21, 2013

 Jammu/ Kashmir: Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) removal would not replace dearth of water and electricity in Jammu. Instead of parroting about removal of much needed law and poking nose in international politics, which stands exclusively the jurisdiction of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). It would be better for those entrusted to provide better facilities including water, electricity and allied commodities’ smoothly to commoners for local leadership. It not just they (at the helm of affairs, read ministers including chief minister and bureaucrats), are doing favours to commoners by rendering duties as directed but because being paid handsome monthly remuration against it, they are answerable to common citizen.

“Those were days when leaders and ministers dedicate their lives for the welfare and cause of commoners without getting any benefit for it. But now it the best lucrative business to earn leisure on the blood of poor as well as on tax payers money” said Sat Paul adding that those who even are not being liked by their family members manage to become beloved leaders of masses for reasons known only to them. Citing examples of retired chief secretaries, he said that those who had been retired at top post of state are working like unwanted weeds for reasons known to them only.

Anyhow, big question is that it is hot spell of this year yet to begin in Jammu region the tall claims of Omar Abdullah for providing uninterrupted supply of electricity has fallen flat. More than 12 cuts occur in a day in hundred percent metered areas what would be situation in unmetered areas could be well judged, Imran Hussain said. He said similar situation is of water supply when it comes it comes two times a day or it never comes for two to three days. He said that politicians of state are either helpless or cheats. He suggested that in case of being helpless politicians should leave this game by joining in match fixing or some other lucrative business at least they might think that they are doing some thing as per their consciousness or In case of being cheats they should continue to remain in politics but at least let know the masses about their trade. 

Source: http://www.groundreport.com/

Partial withdrawal of AFSPA

Mr. Omar Abdullah, who has been advocating partial withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from some parts of his State, expressed hope of finding a “common meeting ground” with the Army on the vexed issue. Listing the removal of AFSPA as an important confidence building measure, he contended that the special law has been misused from time to time and has forced various human rights body to support its repeal. “We understand that you cannot overnight take it (AFSPA) away. It has to be a gradual process. It has to start with those areas where Army is no longer required to operate and that is what we have been asking for,” he said.

He said there are areas in the State where infiltration and militancy continue to be a problem and thus, making a ground for Army’s presence. “There are also areas where Army has not operated for a number of years now — where the security situation is controlled by Jammu and Kashmir Police and central paramilitary forces. “In such places, the requirement for AFSPA that we discussed, that is exactly what we are doing, the Army has been very reluctant to go forward on this. But I believe there is a common meeting ground that can be found and we are talking about it.”

AFSPA

UN Special Rapporteur for repeal of AFSPA in Kashmir, North East

New Delhi, May 1: UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, Rashida Manjoo on Wednesday urged Government of India to withdraw AFSPA from Kashmir and North Eastern states.  “The Act (AFSPA) violates international laws India is obliged to follow,” Mangoo told reporters at UN’s office here.  “AFSPA and PSA has mostly resulted in impunity from human rights violations,” she said.  She said AFSPA protects the armed forces from effective prosecution in non-military courts for human rights violations committed against civilian women among others, and it allows overriding due process rights.  “In testimonies received, it was clear that interpretation and implementation of this act, is eroding fundamental rights and freedoms-including freedom of movement, association, and peaceful assembly, safety and security, dignity and bodily integrity rights for women in Jammu and Kashmir and in North-eastern,” she said.

 Source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/May/2/un-special-rapporteur-for-repeal-of-afspa-in-kashmir-north-east-36.asp

Remove ‘SMS Ban' before 'AFSPA'

By Raman Sharma     

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his National Conference must stop rhetoric about the removal of Armed Forces Special Power Act from Jammu and Kashmir because now the people of the state do not take time to understand facts and rumours. More the party and its leaders talk about revocation of AFSPA, the more irritated people feel. It is hypocrisy talking about revocation of AFSPA when the government is afraid even of SMS (Short Message). Firstly, dare to remove SMS ban from pre-paid mobile subscribers before issuing any irrelevant statement on such a sensitive issue like Special Powers to the security forces. The 43-years-old Chief Minister has time and again expressed his political desire on the revocation of the AFSPA but he keeps a silence on the issue of removing ban from SMS service, he has not even setting a deadline for withdrawal of SMS ban.

Though Omar promises on his facebook page, "I can say with confidence that AFSPA withdrawal will take place during the tenure of this government and that day is also not very far." It is pertinent to mention here that so far neither the Chief Minister nor his government has made any official written request to the Center for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act and this is also mere a lip service to woo the innocent people.

The Chief Minister and government must concentrate what is 'do-able' and I don't think that the State Chief Minister is so helpless as he claims to be and if he sincerely wants to remove the ban from SMS service this is quite possible and it would obviously be helpful for him and the party to reclaim their image as a pro-youth, pro-democracy. The decision of withdrawing or continuing AFSPA in the state is a time consuming debate and cannot be done away within days or months and it would also need long deliberations amongst not only the political parties but also the security experts.

Here in J & K there is a complete ban on Short Message Service (SMS) services of prepaid mobile subscribers, in the year 2010 the Government ordered for a ban on SMS services of the subscribers of all the telecom companies operating in the state of J&K. But after a considerable period the government lifted the ban on SMS services of post paid subscribers but unfortunately the ban on prepaid subscribers remained enforced till date even after a lapse of considerable period of around 3 years. The ban on SMS service was imposed by the government on the grounds that it was being used to spread rumours and to incite violence and hence posing a problem for law and order related issues. As per Government's version with the SMSs the anti social, anti national elements spread rumours and other false news/information of atrocities by police, paramilitary and other security agencies and this led to violence and protest including stone pelting by the people who get provoked by the false propaganda against state through SMS.

No one can argue that keeping law and order is the state's right and duty and decision of the state government in safeguarding the security interest of the state and its citizens is essential but putting a ban on the pre-paid subscribers only and that too for a long period of almost 3 years is illogical and need to be reviewed and quashed by the concerned competent authorities without any further delay. In this era of advanced Information technology the selective ban on SMS services of prepaid mobile subscribers is not only unconstitutional, non democratic, useless and illogical but also become totally irrelevant especially due to launching of new software's, application like Whatsapp, social networking sites like face book, orkut and twitter etc. There is a wide spread use of these messaging services like Whatsapp these days these applications not only serve as text message carrier but also transmit images, videos, audios files at a much faster speed and that too without any cost. This ban on SMS service is only confined up to the poor people who cannot afford sophisticated and smart mobile sets which are nowadays available in the market with a small amount of 4 to 5 thousand rupees. Instead of cracking a whip on the anti-social and anti-national elements and strengthening their own mechanism of monitoring the activities of the suspicious persons who are instrumental in spreading the rumours which poses a threat to the law and order situation.

The state government has banned the SMS services of all the prepaid subscribers of the state and thus made the common man a sufferer and deprived them of their rights. The State Government justifies ban on the SMS services of prepaid mobile subscribers of the state on the grounds that through SMS rumours and false information spreads and which in turn incites violence and hence poses a threat to the law and order in the state. This justification of the Government on ban puts a grave question mark on the integrity, loyalty and patriotism of all the prepaid mobile subscribers of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and thus projects the subscribers of prepaid mobile in a very poor light and with suspicions in public life and thus the ban on SMS is a clear violation of the right of the prepaid mobile subscribers to live a dignified life. The constitutional guarantee of equality is being flouted with impunity in the state as both the prepaid and post paid subscribers are being treated unequal by the order of the government to ban SMS services of prepaid mobile subscribers of the state. Once again, I would urge the union and state government to remove the ban from pre-paid SMS services and let the poor people of the state also exercise their right to freedom of expression and information.

Source: http://www.kashmirtimes.com/newsdet.aspx?q=15346

DGP defends AFSPA, immunity under the Act a ‘misconception’

Srinagar, Apr 17: Ruling out any direct role in revocation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from J&K, the Director General of Police Ashok Prasad Wednesday said it is a misconception that armed forces were enjoying ‘immunity’ under the law. He however hinted that even Police would need ‘some kind of legal cover in case it is entrusted the independent job of counter insurgency.’ “A misconception has been floated that armed forces are immune to any kind of disciplinary action under AFSPA,” Prasad told local news gathering agency KNS on Wednesday from New Delhi, soon after attending the Inter-State conference on Police Reforms. “Army catches a man and hands him over to Police. AFSPA doesn’t provide them with any investigation powers,” the DGP said.  He however added that the union government has a mechanism to screen the allegations against armed forces working in areas where AFSPA is in operation before they are put to trial.

The DGP said even it would be desirable for state Police to have such screening ‘if it is to handle the counter insurgency of its own’.  “You can have any officer being accused of violating the norms. Does that mean, every Police officer shall roam around in court corridors to prove his innocence or fight militancy? Therefore there has to be some kind of a mechanism to save officers and personnel against being tried on the basis of allegations which don’t have any merit,” the DGP said. “You can’t let anybody level allegations every now and then when you have such a tough situation to handle.”

The DGP claimed that there were people with vested interests who were creating confusion over the issue. “Under Section (3) of AFSPA, Central forces get the special powers and under section (3) of Disturbed Areas Act only J&K Armed Police, not the JKP, enjoys certain powers,” said Prasad.

He made it clear that political dispensation was the appropriate authority to take a final call on the implementation or revocation of the controversial law. “We have already two committees working on it and once they submit the report to Government, the position would get clear,” he added. Meanwhile hinting at limiting the movement of some separatist leaders “who could create law and order problems”, the DGP said that majority of the separatist leaders have been released. “But there are intelligence inputs suggesting that free movement of some leaders could create law and order problems. This has forced the authorities to put a check on their movement,” he said. “As long as they are not involved in instigating people, we don’t have any problem with their movement. But if they try to instigate people, we will surely revisit our decision,” Prasad said.

He said if Syed Ali Geelani would like to go to Hyderpora Masjid or for shopping and medical check-up, he won’t be stopped “unless there is any apprehension of law and order problems.” Prasad hinted at reduction of security cover in Baramulla where people have been protesting for over a week. “Let the stone pelting stop, reduction of security cover would be considered,” he said.  “There are 10 to 15 boys who throw stones for vested interests and they have held the entire area to ransom,” said the DGP.

He said the situation in Palhalan, Khanpora and other areas has been brought under control and efforts were on to ensure normalcy in the old town Baramulla.

Source:http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Apr/18/dgp-defends-afspa-immunity-under-the-act-a-misconception--64.asp

Immature and incongruous statements on AFSPA

Simrit Kahlon 

Farooq Abdullah is the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy with the government of India. He holds this portfolio because his political party, National Conference, is a part of the governing United Progressive Alliance (UPA). As a Union Minister, Farooq has a significant say in the affairs of the country, especially those pertaining to his home state. At a personal level he admits to having close ties with most of the senior politicians so he can push his word across.

With a background of this nature the statements that he has made with regard to the status of the armed forces special power act (AFSPA) in his home state, Jammu and Kashmir, come across as immature and incongruous. In the course of a meeting of his party's central working committee held recently in Jammu and also during an interaction with the press on the sidelines of a book release he has stated that it was the army that was blocking the revocation of the AFSPA in the state.

An observation of this nature coming from a Union Minister is worrisome since it gives a political colour to the country's defence forces that have always remained apolitical and subservient to the government of the day. Perhaps

the Hon'ble Minister is not aware that the army has constantly reiterated that it merely gives assessments and recommendations with regard to the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir to the Union and the State governments and status of the AFSPA is a part of the overall recommendation. The army is, by no means, in the decision making loop

of the government so far as the law is concerned. Under these circumstances, any attempt to fire salvoes on its own political alliance from the shoulder of the Indian armed forces that are held at very high esteem by each and every citizen of the country does behove a person of Farooq's stature.

The reality is that nobody, least of all the army, is keen on the continuance of the act in Jammu and Kashmir or any other part of the country for that matter. The army would like nothing better than to sit back and enjoy the salubrious climate of the beautiful region after handing over all internal security duties to the police. The government at the

centre, on its part, definitely does not like being given the tag of being draconian simply because it has to maintain the act in the region. The problem is that the state government has not been able to create the right climate that could give to the Union government the necessary confidence to revoke the legislation. As soon the situation in the state takes one step toward normality some negative incident takes place that forces return to the status quo. Take, for instance, the recent turn of events; after a few encouraging tourist seasons the state is now looking in the face of renewed separatist instigated violence whose catalyst is the very legitimate execution of a terrorist and enemy of the nation - Afzal Guru. In recent times, the state has witnessed a sharp increase in terrorist activity in

tandem with the protests engineered by divisive forces. Under these circumstances, even thinking of lowering the security guard would be suicidal; yet Farooq Abdullah thinks it proper to make loose statements with regard to security.

Actually putting the entire blame on the state government would also not be in order. It has to contend with some very powerful foreign sponsored forces that thrive due to the leniency of the Indian democratic principles. The divisive forces have to be contested by democratic political means that tend to be long drawn and time consuming. The silver lining is that due to the unstinted support of the people and the sustained efforts of the governments at the centre and the state whose integral part is the security forces, the situation is on the mend slowly but steadily. That the state govt has achieved this degree of success is no mean feat. The idea now is to wean away the small constituency that the divisive forces are thriving on and make them redundant in the scheme of things; this is very much achievable but it will require time and patience. Most importantly, the system that has produced results should not be tampered with since progress can be made only by following the well trodden path. This is definitely not the time to play around with the security paradigm that has produced such encouraging results. It can be stated with a fair degree of confidence that the army would not remain in any internal security role even for a minute more that what is directed by the govt of the day. The revocation or otherwise of a security enabling legislation is purely in the domain of the political leadership of which Farooq Abdullah is a part. The experienced and seasoned political leaders who form part of the government, as also a large chunk of the opposition leadership, is not in favour of immediate revocation of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir. This is because they know that the desired political climate is not in place. The leaders of the mainstream political parties of the state are also aware of this fact but they somehow find it difficult to desist from playing politics over this very sensitive issue. It is important for a nation to speak in one voice on issues concerning security, it is not proper to play politics with soldiers who are putting their very lives at stake for the good of their fellow citizens. If AFSPA needs to be revoked for heaven's sake do so, but in the meantime do not subject the topic to open political discussions in forums like party meetings and book reviews. The Indian soldier deserves better than this.

Source: http://www.jknewspoint.com/newsdet.aspx?q=11566

AFSPA revocation

Army not a block, but a stakeholder: Soz

Shuchismita    

HIRANAGAR, Apr 15: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz today chose to disagree with the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah that army was a block (hindrance) in Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) revocation. “He (Farooq) should not have said that. The army is not a block. It is a stakeholder, which needs to be taken on board,” Soz said.

He was talking to media after addressing a public rally organised by senior Congress leader and former MLA Girdhari Lal Chalotra at Hiranagar. On April 7, Farooq in a media interaction in Jammu had described the army as “the only block in AFSPA revocation.”

Soz, while terming the army as one of the stakeholders vis-à-vis the issue of AFSPA revocation, reiterated his stand that it (AFSPA), being a temporary law, should go. “It will definitely go as and when the Union Home Minister and the Defence Minister will be on the same page taking all the stakeholders on board,” he said.

CONGRESS’ STAND CONSISTENT ON AFSPA REVOCATION: JKPCC president stated that his stand on AFSPA revocation has always been consistent.

“My stand on AFSPA is consistent. AFSPA is a temporary law and it has to go. It should go but the stakeholders are many – the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the army, the para military forces, the Jammu and Kashmir police. So therefore I’ve adopted the best course. I tell (A K) Antonyji and (Sushil Kumar) Shindeji – please meet, please agree and when they agree, that will be in the middle I’ll agree with them.” In the same breath, he advocated the cause of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too on this account as he said, “The Chief Minister represents the state. Sometimes he does not like to say what the people say. But even so he’s the Chief Minister. And I told them (Shinde and Antony)– take the Chief Minister on board and decide. Come to the acceptable means. I’ll join them.”

ON DR FAROOQ ABDULLAH’S STATEMENT THAT ARMY IS THE MAIN BLOCK IN AFSPA REVOCATION: When asked to comment on National Conference president and Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah’s recent statement that army was the only block in the process of AFSPA revocation, Soz chose to disagree with him.

Qualifying his statement, JKPCC president said, “He (Farooq) should not have said that. Why? Because, the army is a stakeholder, so the army has to be taken on board, the Chief Minister has to be taken on board. Both have to be taken on board because he’s the chairman of the Unified Command. But Unified Command means - the army and para-military forces. They have to be taken on board.”

FAROOQ’S RENEWED DEMAND FOR AUTONOMY: Soz, however, tried to play down media queries about Farooq’s renewed demand for greater autonomy saying, “Article 370 has to be there always. It will never go. For greater autonomy, one may talk with the Centre.”

IS TIME RIPE FOR SEPARATISTS TO CONTEST ELECTIONS? When asked whether this was the time for separatists to contest elections as well, he said, “Of course, nobody can become a leader unless he has fought an election. And may be in 2014 in Kashmir, many new faces will be there and I’ll welcome them and we should try for that. Ghutan Khatam Ho Jayegi Ek Saath Chalengay..(Suffocation will end when we’ll move together).”

Source: http://www.kashmirtimes.com/newsdet.aspx?q=15183

The ruling National Conference (NC) on Monday batted strongly for phased withdrawal of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir and sustained and meaningful Indo-Pakistan dialogue, saying that the restoration of internal autonomy continues to be the party’s policy. Union Minister and NC chief Farooq Abdullah, in a meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee held on Sunday, said that AFSPA should be lifted in a phased manner from various parts of the state. He said that the withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act should begin from the areas where militancy has been substantially reduced and the security apparatus is being handled by the state police and the paramilitary forces, a party spokesperson said here on Monday. The meeting was attended by the working president of the party Omar Abdullah and all the members of the CWC. The Committee resolved that in the interest of sustainable peace in the region, a sustained and meaningful Indo-Pakistan dialogue must proceed without any impediments and that the CBM’s should be further consolidated and strengthened, the spokesperson said.

While reviewing the functioning and achievements of the state government since 2009, CWC appreciated the remarkable initiatives taken by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to accelerate the process of development in all the regions of the state and for providing transparent and accountable governance to people. It also expressed its deep anguish over the denial of the opportunity to the family of Afzal Guru of meeting him before his execution and demanded the return of his mortal remains to the bereaved family.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/nc-for-phased-withdrawal-of-afspa-indopak-dialogue/article4594701.ece

Chief Minister’s wish list: ‘AFSPA revocation, return of power projects’

New Delhi, Apr 5: Phase-wise revocation of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and return of power projects to Jammu and Kashmir are the two most ‘important wishes’ of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Participating in the Mindmine Summit 2013 here, 43-year- old Omar was asked to list two most important wishes he would like to be fulfilled. “If I had to select two points, it would be one, the phase-wise revocation of the AFSPA and two, the return of NHPC power projects to the state as recommended by the Rangarajan committee,” he said. Ever since taking over the reins of the state, his government has been pitching for phase-wise removal of AFSPA from the state starting from municipal limits of Srinagar and Jammu cities.

Omar said dealing with political problems of the state with inappropriate and unsuitable methods created a complex situation. “The then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was arrested and a saga of undemocratic nature crept in making things more difficult,” he said, adding this also gravely alienated people.

When asked whether the states were ruling Delhi, he said there is set constitutional position to run the affairs of states and the Union and accommodating aspirations of the people of the states at the Union government-level is not anything amounting to ‘ruling Delhi’. “The situation in J&K is special--the accession to the Indian Union was only on four areas—communication, currency, defence and foreign affairs —which have been gradually eroded over the years. So there will be some resistance. You have to deal with it. You have to win the heart of the people.”

Even wearing a watch had become matter of life and death in the Valley because forces wanted people to set Indian Standard Time while separatists asked for setting Pakistan time on watches. “If you live in an atmosphere of fear and when you leave the house in the morning you don't know if you are going to return – for 25 years,” he said and emphasised upon understanding the psyche of the people in the state.

Source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Apr/6/chief-minister-s-wish-list-afspa-revocation-return-of-power-projects--67.asp

We’ve been advocating AFSPA revocation: JK Govt

Jammu, Mar 29: The State Government has said it has been repeatedly advocating repeal of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from militancy-free areas in Jammu and Kashmir. “Ever since the assumption of office in 2009, the Government has initiated several Confidence Building Measures. It has been repeatedly advocating for withdrawal of AFSPA from the areas which are free of militancy,” the Home Department has revealed in response to a question whether any request has been made to the Government of India for withdrawing the law. The response was shared by the Government in the Legislative Assembly during discussion on grants for the Home Department earlier this week.

On March 6, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had told the Rajya Sabha that there was no formal request from J&K Government for scrapping of the Act.

The State Government said it has constituted two committees, one each in Kashmir and Jammu, to recommend the areas from where the law could be revoked. “The committees held several meetings,” said the reply by the Home Department headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Their recommendations would be acted upon once they submit their report to the government.” Debate over AFSPA revocation was intensified in 2011 when, at a police function on Srinagar outskirts, Omar Abdullah said the controversial law would be removed from parts of the state “within days.” Later Omar told media persons the law would go during his tenure in the office. The Omar-led government would complete its 6-year term in 2014.

However, the Army and Defense Ministry has repeatedly opposed any such move to “dilute” powers of the armed forces in J&K, saying it could prove counter-productive.

“The state government is committed to the withdrawal of the law in a phased manner,” the Government reply said. “There have been repeated demands from political parties and separatists for withdrawal of the Act,” the Home Department’s reply said. The AFSPA gives immunity to the forces against legal action for their involvement in human rights violations unless the Government of India sanctions the prosecution of the accused, which has been very rare.

Meanwhile, the State Government has also underlined the need for continuing with the Unified Headquarters in J&K. “The UHQ coordinates activities of all security agencies on a single platform under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister,” the Government reply said. “The purpose of the UHQ is to ensure that adequate attention is placed on the functioning of security grid and also ensure that the developments vis-à-vis security concerns are reconciled in such a way that security grid enables the development activities to flourish.”

Source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2013/Mar/30/we-ve-been-advocating-afspa-revocation-jk-govt-71.asp

Omar's suggestion to revoke AFSPA on trial basis childish: BJP

Lashing out at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's remarks in the Assembly, BJP today said the Chief Minister's suggestion to the Centre on withdrawal of AFSPA on trial basis, is childish and immature. "The Chief Minister's suggestion to the Centre to withdraw AFSPA on trial basis is childish and highly immature", Leader of BJP Legislature Party Ashok Khajuria told reporters here today.  Khajuria asked the Congress to respond to CM's statement that Defence, Foreign and Telecommunication are the only departments, which link Jammu and Kashmir with rest of India .The Chief Minister should not forget that the state's economy is totally dependent on central funds and the Congress should explain why is it not objecting to it", he wondered.

Khajuria added that on behalf of his group of BJP MLAs, the daily protests in the Assembly premises will continue till the suspension of Jugal Kishore Sharma is revoked. BJP national executive member and chief spokesman Jitender Singh added that the party has decided to take both the Chief Minister's views expressed in the Assembly and Sharma's suspension, to the people.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/omar-s-suggestion-to-revoke-afspa-on-trial-basis-childish-bjp-113032600415_1.html