JAMMU: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today batted for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) but only from peaceful locations.
“I think it is the security agencies who have to take a call on removal of AFSPA and they must identify the areas where it is not required,” Dr Abdullah told reporters in Udhampur after visiting the residence of Captain Tushar Mahajan, who sacrificed his life for the nation in Sopore encounter while fighting terrorists.
“I feel that AFSPA should be withdrawn but depending upon the situation and places where the Act is not required,” said the former chief minister.
He, however, appealed to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rename the Udhampur Railway Station on Captain Tushar’s name. “I appeal to dedicate Udhampur Railway Station to Captain Tushar who sacrificed his life for the country,” said Dr Abdullah.
On shifting of Indo-Pak World T20 cricket match venue to Kolkata from Dharamsala, Dr Abdullah said, “If we keep thinking like this then I feel that no cricket match will take place between two countries anywhere.”
The NC stalwart favoured for better friendly ties between India and Pakistan. Meanwhile, on delay in government formation, Dr Abdullah said, “What can Farooq Abdullah can do if they are not forming the government”. “Both (PDP-BJP) have numbers and they are not forming the government.
We do not have numbers, and we can’t do it then what could I do if the government formation is delaying,” he added. However, on JNUSU Kanhaiya Kumar’s statement yesterday that the Indian Army is raping women in Kashmir, Dr Abdullah said, “go and ask him why he is spitting venom against the Indian Army.”
“One who speaks against the Indian Army is not the right man, action should be taken against him,” said the former Union Minister added. (UNI)
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