Call for lifting of AFSPA grows louder

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 23

With the Centre revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Meghalaya and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, the call for immediate revocation of the said Act from J&K has grown louder.

Moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has sought the immediate revocation of the Act from the state, saying if AFSPA could be removed from the north-eastern regions, why not this region?

“For the past 30 years, draconian and oppressive #AFSPA has played havoc with our lives. Time and again we have demanded its withdrawal. If GOI can remove it from its north-eastern territories, this cruel and merciless power bestowed upon 8 lakh Indian forces in J&K should be revoked immediately!” Mirwaiz tweeted.

While terming the revocation of AFSPA from the north-eastern states as a good news, public works minister and J&K Government spokesman Naeem Akhtar emphasised the need for creating conditions for its removal from the state, while also appealing to Pakistan to help in this effort.

“Good news. We all need to work for creating conditions conducive for its revocation in J&K as well. No state can permanently be governed through emergency laws in a democracy. Our neighbours too have to realise and help in this effort,” Naeem said in a tweet.