Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) should be revoked as the public opinion was against it.
Talking to journalists on the sidelines of a function here, Dr. Abdullah, however, said that various components should be considered before arriving at a final decision. “Do not see it only through the National Conference perspective. But there is a massive public opinion in the country that this act is not needed.”
The Government of India should see what was good for people. “If they [Centre] say Kashmir is witnessing peace, then this Act should be removed to strengthen peace and make it permanent. Otherwise, they should declare there is no peace in Kashmir,” he said.
Citing the report of interlocutors, he said: “we will have to see what they have recommended.”
Dr. Abdullah brushed aside the Congress workers' demand on chief ministership with the active support of some Congress Ministers. “This issue has become a honey pot for many people. They put their fingers into it to get honey. They want pot [situation] to remain boiling always,” he said.
