Ram Jethmalani for partial AFSPA withdrawal on experimental basis
He said,"Ultimately everything depends upon the response of the stone-pelters and the leaders, who are instigating them to do it. If they respond to this move (withdrawal), I think it is worthwhile."
Taking a line different from that of his party, BJP MP Ram Jethmalani today favoured partial withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from certain areas of Kashmir but at the same time cautioned against doing anything which shakes the confidence of the armed forces."We do not have to do anything which shakes the confidence of Indian people and our armed forces. But at the same time I think it is worthwhile making an experiment in some quarters, some sectors and let us see how it works," Jethmalani told reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi.He was responding to questions about the government considering partial withdrawal of AFSPA from certain pockets in Kashmir.The noted lawyer, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, was talking to reporters after delivering his lecture in a programme organised by British Council and WhyPoll on 'End Poverty 2015' millennium campaign.He said,"ultimately everything depends upon the response of the stone-pelters and the leaders, who are instigating them to do it. If they respond to this move (withdrawal), I think it is worthwhile."Demanding that there should be no dilution in the AFSPA, the BJP has said the government should take on board the concerns of the Army before any final decision on the sensitive issue.It also said that the government should not under any circumstances consider lifting the AFSPA from any disturbed district of the state.Jethmalani's remarks on the issue has come a day before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meets to consider options to restore peace in Kashmir, including state government's demand for partial withdrawal of AFSPA.