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Updated April 2nd, 2019 at 15:35 IST

Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah nod in unison as Congress promises review of AFSPA in 2019 election manifesto

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has concurred with National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over Congress promising in its manifesto a review of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

Reported by: Apoorva Rao
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Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has concurred with National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over Congress promising in its manifesto a review of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

The political rivals who are usually don't see eye to eye on most issues have welcomed the move by the party.

"I welcome it. It was our agenda when we were in coalition with BJP to revoke AFSPA , to recall security forces from civilian areas, to have dialogue with representatives of separatists and Pakistan. I am happy Congress has included it in their manifetso. I am happy that the party has included AFSPA in its manifesto," she said

Omar Abdullah who is in coalition with the Congress for the Lok Sabha elections 2019 in the state and have joined hands in the past.

"I wish they would have done this when I was the CM, I don't want to take names but there were senior Kashmir leaders who did not support me then. but now today that Congress has mentioned it, I welcome this," he said.

The Congress in their manifesto has said that it would review the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Areas Act in the state and 'suitable' changes will be made to balance the requirement of security and 'protection of Human Rights'. 

The party has said that it has been witness to the developments in the conflicted state since the Instrument of Accession that was signed on October 26, 1947. It further affirmed that 'the whole of Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India'

The party also said that it continues to maintain its stand on Article 370 of the Constitution adding it has ascertained that 'nothing will be done or allowed to change the Constitutional position'.

READ: Full Congress 2019 Lok Sabha Elections Manifesto

Here are the brief points mentioned in the manifesto on the Jammu and Kashmir:

  • Engage in dialogue with people of Jammu and Kashmir to find an 'honourable solution' to their issues. 
  • Two prolonged approaches will be adopted, firstly firmness on the border and ending infiltration, secondly 'absolute fairness' to deal with the demands of people.
  • Review the deployment of Armed Forces, and the party plans to move more troops to the border to curb infiltration and furthermore reduce the presence of Army and CAPFs in the valley while entrusting more responsibility on the shoulders of the Jammu and Kashmir police.
  • The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Areas Act in the state will be reviewed and 'suitable' changes will be made to balance the requirement of security and 'protection of Human Rights' 
  • The project of inclusiveness thus looks for 'innovative federal solutions' and dialogue with stakeholders in the state. 
  • Appointment of 3 'interlocutors' drawn from civil society to engage in talks without 'pre-conditions'  

Congress Bats For Dialogue, Promises Review Of Troop Deployment & AFSPA, And Assures No Change In Article 370 In J&K Section Of Its 2019 Election Manifesto. Read Here

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Published April 2nd, 2019 at 14:52 IST

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