With its State unit complaining of lack of consultations by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), Congress on Thursday said there is a need for “better coordination” between the two ruling coalition partners but refrained from giving any view on the measure.
“If PCC president has said something, there must be reason behind it. We also feel that there is need for better coordination between the two coalition partners (National Conference and Congress) there,” AICC general secretary in-charge for the State Mohan Prakash told reporters here.
The AICC leader, however, refrained from voicing Congress’ opinion on the merits of revoking the AFSPA from the State saying it is for security agencies concerned and the Home Ministry to take a view.
“There is a unified command (in the State). The Home Ministry and various others agencies concerned with it will take a decision keeping in mind the ground realities and the party will go by that,” Mr. Prakash said to repeated questions on the party’s stand on the matter.
The Congress reaction came after PCC chief Saif-ud-din Soz questioned the move to revoke AFSPA from some areas of Jammu and Kashmir and said all stakeholders including the army should have been consulted, inviting a terse response from Mr. Abdullah, who said he is well aware of his responsibilities.
A section in the Congress feels that the Coordination Committee in the state headed by Mr. Soz with four other members including two ministers from the National Conference has not been meeting frequently to discuss key issues as was envisaged.
Sources also said that at the time of the formation of the coalition government, it was proposed to have an annual review of its performance but that did not take place during the last three years, hinting that it could now be “activated.”
“Lack of coordination will affect the performance of the Government,” a senior party leader said speaking on the condition of anonymity.
