Omar Abdullah hopes those opposing revocation of AFSPA will see reason

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said those opposing the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state will come around as the situation has improved significantly over the past six years.

"Those who oppose revocation of the AFSPA will see reason as the situation has improved in the state," he said in his Independence Day speech at Bakshi Stadium here.

The Chief Minister said he has been questioned about raising the AFSPA issue time and again when he has not been able to convince the Centre on its revocation.

"Failure should not stop us from trying. We might fail once and twice but when we keep trying, we will succeed," he said.

Omar made a special reference to the improvement security situation in the state during the last more than five and a half years, saying that there has been 80 per cent reduction in militancy-related incidents.

He said all schools and hospitals have been vacated from occupation of security forces.

Omar said 1000 private buildings, 300 government buildings, 40 hotels and 30 industrial units have also been cleared from the occupation of security forces.

On the rehabilitation policy for those youth who had gone to Pakistan or PoK for arms training but renounced violence, he said 350 youth have returned under this policy so far.

"Although there are designated routes for return, once they reached home we have helped them in rehabilitation," he said.

The Chief Minister said the passport policy has been made people-friendly and no objection certificates have been issued to three lakh applications.

Omar said 1850 youth have been benefited under the Amnesty Policy for those involved in law and order cases.

He said warrants under Public Safety Act have been brought down by 40 per cent in the last about six years from 2500 in 2008 to 1420 by now.