Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today strongly advocated amendments to Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) saying such “special steps” will help rebuild the trust and faith in young hearts and minds.
Speaking at the meeting of the National Development Council (NDC) here, he also said the current disturbances in Kashmir were the result of continued instigation of people by “forces inimical to peace”.
Mr. Omar said the recent happenings in Kashmir Valley “have caused all of us untold pain and agony” and added that it was the fundamental duty and responsibility of his government to protect human lives.
“While our hearts go out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones, it must be recognised that such incidents are a disturbing demonstration of the continued instigation of innocent people by the forces inimical to peace”, he said.
Pointing out that pursuing an agenda of “principled politics and good governance” was not an easy task, he said “yet, the challenges unleashed by politics of disruption and division, must be met through our very determined and collective response, cutting across political ideologies and party positions.”
“As we deal with disruptive elements in a decisive and determined way, we must take every necessary and special step to rebuild, particularly in the young hearts and minds, lost faith and trust.
“Amendments to the AFSPA and re-orientation of the security forces to the changing security situation in the state will create the necessary enabling environment for restoring to a certain extent the pride and self-esteem of our people,” Mr. Omar said.
