Address concerns of defence forces before revoking AFSPA: Congress

Differences appeared in the ruling NC-led coalition in Jammu and Kashmir over the issue of revocation of AFSPA with ally Congress today favouring talks with the Defence Ministry on the matter.

"There has to be consultations with the Defence Minister. The defence forces have some reservations and these have to be ironed out before the Act can be revoked," state Congress chief Saifuddin Soz said.

He said even though Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had held consultation with the Union Home Minister, he should also consult the Defence Ministry.

"AFSPA has to ultimately go. It has to go one day when there is normalcy. If Omar is convinced that militancy has receded, AFSPA can be withdrawn but not before consultations with the Defence Minister and the defence forces," Soz said.

Highly-placed sources in the state Congress said the Chief Minister had not held any talks with his coalition partner on the issue.

Omar last week announced that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which was invoked in the state after the advent of militancy in 1990s, will be revoked from some areas of the state within next few days.