Remove security camps from civilian areas: Mehbooba

People's Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti addresses party workers at a protest march against recent killings by CRPF in District Shopian, at Regal Chowk in Srinagar. Photo: PTI

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday demanded removal of security forces camps from all civilian areas.

“Wherever there is a camp of security forces in the civilian areas, it has to be removed. We also demand revocation of AFSPA, PSA and release of youth from jails,” she said addressing party workers during a protest at Lal Chowk in Srinagar against the killing of five persons in firing incidents outside a CRPF camp in Gagran in Shopian district.

The protesters were stopped by police from moving towards civil secretariat.

A meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had on Thursday directed Director General of State Police Ashok Prasad to replace the CRPF personnel at the Gagran Camp with a contingent of the JK Armed Police.

But Ms. Mufti said it “would not do” and demanded removal of all security forces camps in civilian areas.

The PDP leader accused the chief minister of “playing politics” over the issue of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)

Ms. Mufti hit out at the Centre and J&K government over the incidents of firing.