GoI, State read on page on AFSPA: Omar

Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said that there were no differences in the thought process between the government of India and the State government on the issue of reviewing of the implementation of AFSPA and Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) in certain parts of Jammu and Kashmir where the incidents of militancy have considerably reduced.

“In fact the two committees of the Unified Headquarters constituted to look into the issue and identify the areas for this purpose are working in complete conformity with the recommendations made by the Union Cabinet Committee on security,” he said addressing a Press Conference on the occasion of National Conference’s Central Working Committee in Jammu.

Omar said that the State Government wants to move forward in this matter inconsonance with the government of India.

The Chief Minister claimed that he enjoys full support of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, Home Minister and Defense Minister on the issue of gradual easing of provisions of AFSPA in the areas where there was no requirement of such powers.  “We are very keen to roll back the Disturbed Areas Act in the areas like Budgam where it is not required,” he said, adding that the GoI and State Governments were reading from the same page in this regard.

However, he asserted “changes to the provisions of the act cannot be done without thorough examination and due preparations”.

Flanked by party President and father Dr. Farooq Abdullah here, the Chief Minister said that there was no disagreement between NC and Congress over panchayat polls.

“State cabinet has given its approval to the Panchayat elections in the State after giving due consideration to the recommendations of Cabinet sub-committee constituted to look into the issue of 73rd amendment of the Panchayat Act vis-à-vis the State Panchayat Act,” he said.

To a question of nomination of Chairman to the District Board, the Chief Minister said that Chairman for District Board will be nominated by the state government in order to ensure better implementation of State Plan Allocations, monitoring of expenditures and to oversee execution of state and centrally sponsored schemes in the districts. “The Vice-Chairman will be elected through the three tier Panchayat Raj and will be empowered to look after the interests of the people of the district”, he added.

In reply to another question on alleged land grabbing,  the Chief Minister said that the government has taken due note of the report  and he has given categorical directions to the vigilance organization to book any one whosoever he may be if  the evidence against him is sound and solid.

In reply to another question, Chief Minister said that the people of the valley are sensible enough to understand that the change of state government in the state can be made through peaceful means and in a democratic manner. “They understand that change of government in the state is enshrined in the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir through a democratic system, which can be done by the people by exercising franchise on the strength of the ballot after every six years.