Reconsider withdrawal of central forces, AFSPA in JK: BJP

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir today said security forces and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) should not be withdrawn from the state in view of continued terrorist activities in the higher reaches.
    
"The state and the central government need to reconsider such a move in view of continued terrorist activities in the higher reaches of the state and recruitments carried by terrorist groups," BJP national executive member and former state BJP president Nirmal Singh told reporters here.

Singh, who returned after a four-day tour of Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah, said, "While terrorists are carrying on their activities in the higher reaches, the government is planning to withdraw 23,000 central security forces personnel."

The government is planning to leave security of the common people on the state police which is already burdened with its routine works, he said.

The terrorist groups are still recruiting youth for anti-national activities and yet the government is working on withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), troops reduction, Singh said.