New Delhi: In a recent interview with the JK Media Group, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government is discussing the possibility to revoke the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah also disclosed plans to reduce troop presence in the Union Territory (UT) and entrust law enforcement solely to the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
“We have plans to pull back troops and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir police was not trusted but today they are leading the operations,” the NDTV quoted him as saying.
The AFSPA grants extensive powers to armed forces personnel operating in disturbed areas, including the authority to conduct searches, make arrests and open fire if deemed necessary for maintaining public order. Areas or districts designated as disturbed under the AFSPA facilitate armed forces’ operations.
Amit Shah highlighted the partial removal of AFSPA in 70 percent of the areas in the northeastern states, contrasting with its continued implementation in Jammu and Kashmir. There have been persistent calls from various quarters in both Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states for the revocation of the AFSPA.
Assuring democratic processes, Shah affirmed that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held before September, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to democratise the region beyond familial influences. The Supreme Court has mandated the conduct of assembly polls in the UT before September.
Addressing concerns regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Amit Shah underscored the Modi government’s initiatives, including OBC reservations in panchayats and urban local bodies. He emphasized efforts to accommodate displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and provide equitable opportunities at the grassroots level.
Responding to criticism from leaders like Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, Amit Shah defended the government’s actions, highlighting significant reductions in incidents of violence and fake encounters in recent years. He reiterated the government’s commitment to dialogue with Kashmiri youth while rebuffing organizations linked to Pakistan.
Amit Shah emphasized India’s sovereignty over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and reiterated the BJP’s stance on dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference. He urged Kashmiri youth to eschew Pakistan’s influence and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to peace and development in the region.
Citing substantial declines in incidents of violence and casualties, Shah credited these achievements to the support of the local populace and underscored the government’s commitment to the welfare of security forces’ families.
Amit Shah reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s resolve to address the challenges facing Kashmir and urged Kashmiri youth to embrace opportunities for development within the Indian constitutional framework.
New Delhi: In a recent interview with the JK Media Group, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government is discussing the possibility to revoke the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah also disclosed plans to reduce troop presence in the Union Territory (UT) and entrust law enforcement solely to the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
“We have plans to pull back troops and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir police was not trusted but today they are leading the operations,” the NDTV quoted him as saying.
The AFSPA grants extensive powers to armed forces personnel operating in disturbed areas, including the authority to conduct searches, make arrests and open fire if deemed necessary for maintaining public order. Areas or districts designated as disturbed under the AFSPA facilitate armed forces’ operations.
Amit Shah highlighted the partial removal of AFSPA in 70 percent of the areas in the northeastern states, contrasting with its continued implementation in Jammu and Kashmir. There have been persistent calls from various quarters in both Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states for the revocation of the AFSPA.
Assuring democratic processes, Shah affirmed that the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held before September, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to democratise the region beyond familial influences. The Supreme Court has mandated the conduct of assembly polls in the UT before September.
Addressing concerns regarding reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Amit Shah underscored the Modi government’s initiatives, including OBC reservations in panchayats and urban local bodies. He emphasized efforts to accommodate displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and provide equitable opportunities at the grassroots level.
Responding to criticism from leaders like Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, Amit Shah defended the government’s actions, highlighting significant reductions in incidents of violence and fake encounters in recent years. He reiterated the government’s commitment to dialogue with Kashmiri youth while rebuffing organizations linked to Pakistan.
Amit Shah emphasized India’s sovereignty over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and reiterated the BJP’s stance on dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference. He urged Kashmiri youth to eschew Pakistan’s influence and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to peace and development in the region.
Citing substantial declines in incidents of violence and casualties, Shah credited these achievements to the support of the local populace and underscored the government’s commitment to the welfare of security forces’ families.
Amit Shah reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s resolve to address the challenges facing Kashmir and urged Kashmiri youth to embrace opportunities for development within the Indian constitutional framework.
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