Srinagar: The Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir has convened a crucial meeting of the Unified Command today to discuss the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Headed by the Chief Minister, the Unified Command is the top decision-making body on matters concerning security in the state. Today's meeting will also be attended by representative from the Army.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said the Act - described as draconian by its critics - must be withdrawn from some parts of the state. But the Army has reportedly opposed this, arguing that the protection the Act offers is critical for it to ensure law and order in the state.
"We don't want to lift AFSPA from areas where the Army needs to perform. The issue is being discussed in the Unified Command meeting today," Mr Abdullah said ahead of the meeting. He added that "consultations on the issue will continue and it will be taken up in the meeting of the state cabinet very soon."
Congress leaders in the state have complained that they were not consulted by Mr Abdullah over the partial lifting of the Act. The Congress partners with Mr Abdullah's National Conference party in the state government.
This disagreement led to behind-the-scene debate on the efficacy of such a decision. Sources have told NDTV that two compromise formulas have evolved and would be discussed at the Unified Command meeting today before a final decision is taken.
The first formula that comes from the Army proposes reduction of troops from some areas while retaining AFSPA. It suggests police and para-military forces take charge of these areas but allow the Army to come in whenever required. Such an arrangement is in force in Assam.
The second formula to be discussed at the meeting is the one proposed by the state government. It suggests removal of AFSPA from select police station areas in the state while retaining provisions of the AFSPA around Army garrisons and installations. This, the government says, will give the Army enough powers to deal with any emergency. The Army, however, is reluctant to accept this proposal, calling the arrangement impractical.
The Chief Minister had announced the decision to call a meeting of the Unified Command in an interview . In his first detailed interview since the debate erupted, Omar Abdullah told that he has stuck his neck out and he stands by his intention. He added that the time has come to stop waiting for an elusive consensus and take a chance with his peace proposal.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said the Act - described as draconian by its critics - must be withdrawn from some parts of the state. But the Army has reportedly opposed this, arguing that the protection the Act offers is critical for it to ensure law and order in the state.
"We don't want to lift AFSPA from areas where the Army needs to perform. The issue is being discussed in the Unified Command meeting today," Mr Abdullah said ahead of the meeting. He added that "consultations on the issue will continue and it will be taken up in the meeting of the state cabinet very soon."
Congress leaders in the state have complained that they were not consulted by Mr Abdullah over the partial lifting of the Act. The Congress partners with Mr Abdullah's National Conference party in the state government.
This disagreement led to behind-the-scene debate on the efficacy of such a decision. Sources have told NDTV that two compromise formulas have evolved and would be discussed at the Unified Command meeting today before a final decision is taken.
The first formula that comes from the Army proposes reduction of troops from some areas while retaining AFSPA. It suggests police and para-military forces take charge of these areas but allow the Army to come in whenever required. Such an arrangement is in force in Assam.
The second formula to be discussed at the meeting is the one proposed by the state government. It suggests removal of AFSPA from select police station areas in the state while retaining provisions of the AFSPA around Army garrisons and installations. This, the government says, will give the Army enough powers to deal with any emergency. The Army, however, is reluctant to accept this proposal, calling the arrangement impractical.
The Chief Minister had announced the decision to call a meeting of the Unified Command in an interview . In his first detailed interview since the debate erupted, Omar Abdullah told that he has stuck his neck out and he stands by his intention. He added that the time has come to stop waiting for an elusive consensus and take a chance with his peace proposal.
No comments:
Post a Comment