The Hindu : National : Situation in Baramulla fragile, says Chidambaram

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Situation in Baramulla fragile, says Chidambaram

Vinay Kumar

P. Chidambaram

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday admitted that the situation in Baramullah was “fragile” and favoured giving more responsibilities to the State police to maintain law and order.

The Minister said Jammu and Kashmir was a place where “there are many people with different objectives” and the situation had to be handled with “great care.” He assured Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the Centre’s full support in bringing the situation under control by taking administrative and political measures.

“Even a small incident can be blown up into a major incident. The incident like the one in Baramulla, based on reports I got, should be tackled through administrative and political measures. One thing led to another and stone throwing, firing and curfew followed. The situation is fragile. The Chief Minister telephoned me and he did well in taking steps to control the situation. We have to support this young Chief Minister in his efforts,” Mr. Chidambaram told reporters here.

He pointed out that during his visit to Jammu and Kashmir on June 11-12, a decision was taken to redraw the lines of responsibility among the Army, paramilitary forces and police. “We encourage the police to take over more responsibilities concerning law and order.”

Asked about a review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir and other States, including Manipur in the northeast, he said a number of suggestions were there to amend it or withdraw it. “All these are under consideration; we have not taken any decision as yet.”

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