AFSPA should be withdrawn from J&K: Ram Vilas Paswan

Advocating withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir, Lok Janshakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan today said the issue of granting autonomy to the state within the framework of the Constitution should be considered.

Jammu and Kashmir remains an integral part of the country just like any other state, Paswan asserted and called for considering the issue of granting autonomy to the state within the framework of the Constitution.

The LJP chief said armed forces should only be deployed in areas where terrorists were active in J&K and advocated withdrawal of AFPSA from the state.

Suggesting that a dialogue be initiated with all sections of society, including separatists, to pave the way for peace in the Valley, Paswan said he would soon write a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to launch a time-bound action plan and address the 'genuine' grievances of people.

Paswan demanded a compensation of Rs20 lakh and government job to the family members of the 110 'innocent' persons who fell to police and army bullets since June this year and an 'impartial inquiry' into all such incidents and proper action against erring officials.