Massive public opinion in favour of revoking AFSPA: Farooq Abdullah

Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today said there was a massive public opinion in favour of revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act but maintained that all the stakeholders should discuss the issue and take a collective decision.

"If you see the people's opinion across the country, there is a massive opinion that AFSPA should be revoked," Abdullah, who is also president of ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Abdullah said he was hopeful that various stakeholders including the Army and government of Jammu and Kashmir will sit together to discuss the issue and take a decision on it.

"If peace has returned to the some areas of the state, this law should go from those areas. If peace has not returned, then it should be declared as such," he said.

The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy said all opinions, including that of the Centre's team of interlocutors, should be taken on board while taking a decision on revocation of AFSPA.

Asked about the demand for rotation of Chief Minister from some leaders in Congress, a coalition partner in the state government, Abdullah said he would not comment on the issue.

"I do not want to create confrontations. We cannot move ahead by confrontationist approach."

The National Conference had said there were some politicains who prosper in chaos. "If there is no chaos, they cannot dip their fingers in honey bowls," the minister added.