JAMMU : Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today said India would have to be “extremely cautious” after the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, and ruled out any security relaxation claiming that “terrorist outfits will try to destabilise” the country, particularly Jammu and Kashmir.
Asked whether there would be security relaxation with the abrogation of the AFSPA, Abdullah said, “No, never… Not only in J&K, but in entire India… We should not lower our guard against those forces that are trying to destabilise India.”
“We have to be very cautious. We have to be very very careful in whatever steps we take,” the National Conference chief told reporters on the sidelines of a function to felicitate the State cricket team for their good performance in the recently-concluded Ranji Trophy season.
Abdullah said his party was really worried about security of the country after the US troops leave Afghanistan.
“We are worried about what is Taliban going to do, what is Al-qaeda going to do? Because there is a feeling that the Pan-Islamism want to spread trough gun and it is going to be dangerous for all of us.” Referring to its impact on J&K, he said, “Our region is one (which is in the focus), and we will have to be extremely cautious.”
“That is why it is important that we choose a Government that can hold India together and fight the menace of terrorism and create strength,” he added.
On the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), the Union minister, however, said it should be revoked from areas where it was no longer needed.
He said, “As far as AFSPA abrogation is concerned, NC’s view is that there is no need for AFSPA. It should go from those places where Army is not operating.”
“On the border you need AFSPA. You have got problem from our neighbour. So, you cannot give up from the border areas. But in the hinter lands where there is no question of militancy of that nature, AFSPA should be revoked,” he added.
Asked about the demand of Sikh community for a SIT probe into the 1984 riots, he said, “No Indian feels what happened in 1984 is right. Innocent people died… I feel that whoever is responsible, irrespective of his party or affiliations, he should be tried. Justice must be done for those innocent people who died.” (AGENCIES)
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