AFSPA, other related laws to go in my tenure: Omar

Srinagar, December 30: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has said that the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and all other related laws will be removed during his present tenure.

Omar Abdullah addressing a function in Srinagar said, “I am committed that all laws like AFSPA will be removed.” The power projects would also be taken back from the Indian Hydroelectric Power Corporation, he added.

He criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its stance on AFSPA. “During their rule they never talked about its removal and today when I am committed to removing the law they tell New Delhi that there is no such need,” Omar deplored.

Reiterating his resolve to make the state self-sufficient in electricity generation, he lashed out at PDP and said during their three years rule they were not able to launch a single power project

The chief minister lamented clandestine methods of some politicians trying to create wedge between Shia and Sunni communities and try to harm the centuries-old atmosphere of brotherhood and mutual co-existence. He said people of the state are very mature and they will never allow such conspiracies to succeed.

The Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said, “If Hurriyet people really want to improve system of electricity, first of all they should use Friday (sermon) to stop powers theft.”