AFSPA revocation process to restart after army chief issue: Omar Abdullah

Open To Talks With Militants If They Shun Violence

Srinagar: Terming as ‘unfortunate’ the dragging of feet by Army, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday expressed his endeavour to re-initiate the process of revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act after the controversy surrounding the Army Chief settles down.
“As far as AFPSA is concerned, I clarified in House (Legislative Assembly) yesterday that we tried to start the revocation of the Act last year but unfortunately Army dragged its feet and did not allow the proposal to move ahead,” Omar Abdullah told reporters here after inaugurating Tulip Garden under the foot hills of Zabarwan Mountain here.
In-fact, he said, government had mooted to hold meeting at army headquarters and other places in New Delhi on the issue of partial revocation of the Act.
“The meeting however could not fructify,” he said, adding, “Then they were trapped in their own issues and the matter stuck there. Now we are hopeful that once the issue between army chief and defense ministry ends, we will again raise revocation of AFSPA.”
On the proposed visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Pakistan, Omar Abdullah said, he was hopeful that the talks between the two countries can lead to some concrete steps towards addressing the Kashmir issue.
About the encounter in Handwara area of Kupwara district yesterday, Omar said it will not affect the ground situation in the Kashmir. “I do not think it will have any impact on the situation or on tourism. We are ready to hold talks with anyone who is willing to lay down arms. Otherwise such incidents will continue to take place,” he added.
Earlier, Chief Minister declaring Tulip Garden open for visitors and expressed optimism for productive tourism season this year. He emphasized the need for up to the mark preparedness to receive tourists and extend best service to them.
“Jammu and Kashmir State is a tourist state where the development and growth of tourism has direct bearing on the economy,” he said, adding that one successful year of tourism last year opened hundreds of avenues of economic activities and livelihood generating ways and means for the people in the State particularly in the Valley.
He said the grandeur, serenity, colourful tulip beds full of flowers, beautiful Zabarvan mountain range overlooking the garden and world famous Dal Lake at its base mesmerizes tourists and marks the spring beauty of the Valley.
Omar said the garden this year has been opened a week earlier so that tourists present here could visit the garden.
Omar Abdullah said that the arrival of over 13 lakh tourists to the Valley during last year has revived the glory of this sector. “Our efforts this year should be to rope in more visitors from the country and abroad. Germany has already withdrawn the advisory regarding travelling to the Valley,” he said expressing the hope that other countries would follow the suit.
The Chief Minister said that the tourist facilities and services should match the natural beauty Jammu and Kashmir is epitome of. He said that cleanliness at tourist places should be the benchmark in the upkeep and maintenance of tourist facilities. “Your services should be qualitative and hospitality to the highest degree so that the tourists carry its impression along with the scenic splendour of the State and lure them to visit here again and again”, he told the stakeholders, traders, houseboat owners, hoteliers, transporters and others associated with the tourism sector.
The Chief Minister said that peace was imperative for productive and successful tourism as such all of us have to contribute positively in peace maintenance. “Tourists want to relish and enjoy the beautiful places in the Valley and stay here in a tranquil atmosphere. We have to provide them suitable and calm atmosphere so that they extend their stay.”
More than 3.20 lakh tulip bulbs of eight new varieties have been sown in the garden this year and department of floriculture expect over one million tulips blooming in the garden which is spread over an area of 35 hectares. (KMW NEWS)