Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 15: Reiterating its belief that laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) can not be a permanent feature of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today strongly objected to the statement of the Army chief on the subject.
In a statement, the party president, Mehbooba Mufti said AFSPA has outlived its utility and J&K is ready for full restoration of fundamental rights, which are severely, restricted by such laws.
Mehbooba said the people of J&K have repeatedly reaffirmed their faith in the democratic process, over the past many years, and it is time that Government of India responds positively to the growing democratic culture in the State.
She said while holding elections and participation of people in them are essential for a democratic polity, democracy in the State will lack vibrancy as long as the civil institutions, judiciary and elected bodies don’t feel fully empowered, as in rest of the country.
Referring to the recommendations made from time to time on the subject, Mehbooba said the special working group, appointed by Prime Minister had recommended rolling back of AFSPA. The PDP had taken up the matter with the Prime Minister in January 2007, in response to which a high level committee had also been appointed to review the law.
She said the PDP has time and again emphasized that gun and force from either side will not resolve the problem. “Instead it is democracy, engagement and dialogue that are needed for a permanent settlement of the problem for which a beginning had been made with the initiative in 2003. Shrill statements will take us nowhere, in restoring the confidence in peace process and wining the hearts and minds of people,” said Mehbooba.
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