AFSPA withdrawal need of hour: NC

Srinagar: Amid continuous combat by armed forces against any dilution in Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the ruling National Conference Tuesday said that the withdrawal of the special powers to army was need of the hour.

Interacting with a two-member team of Canadian envoys, currently on visit to Kashmir, senior National Conference leader, Dr Mustafa Kamaal said that since the militancy was on decline in the state, the withdrawal of the act was the “need of the hour.”

Kamal, uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also took head on the army chief for his statements on AFSPA, calling in “unnecessary”.  “The statements by army chief (General VK Singh) are unnecessary rather than apt,” a spokesman of the party told while quoting Kamal as having conveyed to the visiting envoys—head political section at Canadian commission in New Delhi, July G Benteley and economic advisor to the Canadian high commissioner Sumitra Dev.

Referring to Kashmir issue, Kamal said that irresolution was a major hurdle in amicable relations between India and Pakistan. “Friendship between New Delhi and Islamabad is imperative for peace in entire south Asia and state and until, Kashmir issue is not resolved in accordance with the wishes and aspiration of the people, the friendly ties between neighbours is a distant dream.” The envoys called upon Kamaal, the member legislative assembly from Hazratbal, at his residence here.

Kamaal also underlined the need for taking people of Kashmir into confidence, saying that they are the real owners of the land, the spokesman added.

Younger brother of Farooq Abdullah— Nation Conference president— Kamal also hailed the Canada and other European countries for their attempts to facilitate amicable relations between India and Pakistan.