Union Home Minister Amit Shah this week said that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved and they are thinking about revoking Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu & Kashmir, which has been dealing with militancy and separatism for forty years. In an interview, he said that Jammu and Kashmir is on the path to tranquility, with militancy waning and the specter of separatism fading into oblivion,” Shah declared, underlining the tangible improvements in the security landscape. The once-pervasive menace of stone pelting has ceased, while corruption struggles to find a foothold in the burgeoning atmosphere of change. Emphasizing the resurgence of cultural vibrancy, Shah highlighted the reopening of cinemas and the resumption of the Muharram Procession after three decades of dormancy. Moreover, a landmark G20 event injected vitality into the tourism sector, heralding a new era of exploration and discovery in the picturesque valley. The abolition of Article 370, a bold move by the government, has paved the way for sweeping reforms, transcending barriers that once stifled progress. Shah challenged skeptics, questioning whether the essence of Kashmiri culture, language, and traditions remain safeguarded without the shackles of Article 370. “Under the veil of Article 370, the youth were lured into the abyss of militancy and separatism,” Shah lamented, citing Pakistan’s insidious role in perpetuating violence that claimed the lives of thousands over four decades. Addressing the contentious issue of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), Shah acknowledged the evolving dynamics, expressing readiness to review its applicability in the region. He underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a climate of trust, enabling the local police to spearhead operations effectively. “The forthcoming assembly elections will be a testament to our unwavering commitment to democracy,” Shah affirmed, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s pledge to uphold the democratic ethos in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir Police are now taking the lead in most encounters with militants, with central forces offering support. He remarked, “Previously, there was distrust in the Jammu and Kashmir Police, but now they are spearheading the operations.” Additionally, he confirmed that Assembly elections in the Union Territory would occur before September. This decision follows a December 2023 Supreme Court directive to the Election Commission, mandating elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024, subsequent to upholding the Centre’s 2019 move to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to the region.
“A landmark G20 event injected vitality into the tourism sector, heralding a new era of exploration and discovery in the picturesque valley. The abolition of Article 370, a bold move by the government, has paved the way for sweeping reforms, transcending barriers that once stifled progress. Shah challenged skeptics, questioning whether the essence of Kashmiri culture, language, and traditions remain safeguarded without the shackles of Article 370. “Under the veil of Article 370, the youth were lured into the abyss of militancy and separatism”.
“The prospect of AFSPA revocation in Jammu and Kashmir, hinted at by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, marks a significant step towards peace and stability in the region. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for political engagement and confidence-building measures to address long-standing grievances. However, the path ahead requires sustained efforts, dialogue, and concrete actions to ensure the restoration of trust and the realization of lasting peace in the region.”
Former chief minister and National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah stated that the promise to revoke AFSPA seemed timed for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He expressed apprehension that the people of Jammu and Kashmir might face similar deception as those in Ladakh did with the promise of the Sixth Schedule. Abdullah emphasized the need for immediate action to revoke AFSPA, given the assertions by central leaders regarding the restoration of normalcy in the region. On the other hand, former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti welcomed Shah’s statement but cautioned against it being merely political rhetoric, likening it to unfulfilled promises of job creation by the BJP. Mufti stressed the importance of releasing journalists and Kashmiris detained without charges as a first step towards restoring normalcy in the region. Both leaders urged the government to fulfill its commitment to revoking AFSPA, with Mufti’s daughter and media advisor, Iltija Mufti, highlighting the PDP’s consistent stance on this issue. However, she expressed skepticism, fearing that it might be another instance of political posturing by the BJP. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the BJP welcomed the proposed removal of AFSPA, citing improvements in the region’s situation since August 2019. Peoples Conference Chief Sajad Lone also supported the move, urging the Home Minister to honor his commitment. Lone also took a dig at the NC and Congress, questioning their credibility on the issue since they were instrumental in implementing AFSPA in the past but failed to repeal it. Jammu and Kashmir’s Apni Party President, Altaf Bukhari, extended a warm welcome to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement regarding the potential revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). Bukhari emphasized the strengthening of the J&K Police, expressing confidence in its ability to manage law and order independently, thus facilitating the gradual withdrawal of additional troops. “We are hopeful that the Union Home Minister’s statement on the revocation of AFSPA and troop withdrawal will be put into action. We commend this step,” Bukhari remarked. Meanwhile, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, Chairman Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and a former minister, echoed similar sentiments, welcoming Shah’s announcement regarding the consideration of AFSPA’s revocation from Jammu and Kashmir. Yaseen emphasized the gradual withdrawal of security forces from the region, alongside the potential repeal of AFSPA. In a statement, Yaseen expressed gratitude towards the Home Minister’s stance and urged for the release of all detainees who are held in various jails without involvement in serious criminal cases. He stressed that implementing such measures, especially ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, would serve as significant confidence-building measures (CBMs), fostering trust and faith in the democratic system among the populace. Yaseen highlighted the potential relief that the removal of AFSPA would bring to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, considering it a crucial step towards addressing the grievances of the affected populace. Additionally, he criticized the imposition of the draconian law in the region during previous regimes, attributing it to political expediency rather than genuine concern for the well-being of the residents
Kashmir Horizon View: The government should follow through on its hints of AFSPA revocation by initiating a thorough review process, involving stakeholders from Jammu and Kashmir as well as security experts. Engage in meaningful dialogue with all political parties and communities in Jammu and Kashmir to address their concerns and aspirations, ensuring their inclusion in the decision-making process. The prospect of AFSPA revocation in Jammu and Kashmir, hinted at by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, marks a significant step towards peace and stability in the region. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for political engagement and confidence-building measures to address long-standing grievances. However, the path ahead requires sustained efforts, dialogue, and concrete actions to ensure the restoration of trust and the realization of lasting peace in the region.
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