Union Cabinet Secretary discusses development, AFSPA with Omar

Srinagar: Close on the heels of a decision taken by the Jammu and Kashmir government to revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from few areas, Union Cabinet Secretary Ajit Kumar Seth and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a detailed meeting on various issues today.

A high-level delegation, led by Mr Seth, also called on Governor N N Vohra at the Raj Bhavan and discussed various issues, including matters relating to internal and external security management.
Official sources said he later called on Mr Abdullah and discussed various issues, including security and economic development of the state.
The visit of the central delegation came at a time when the Chief Minister had announced that AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act (DAA) would be revoked from certain areas, which are now being considered “peaceful.” The sources said despite Central Forces, including Army, has opposed it, the state government has decided to go ahead with the proposal.
Mr Abdullah informed the delegation about the security situation, particularly in the Kashmir valley, where the militancy has registered 50 per cent decrease.
He told then about peaceful summer this year after three years which had witnessed massive protests and street violence.
Mr Abdullah said about necessity for revoking the AFSPA and the DAA, which could prove a biggest Confidence Building Measure (CBM) in Kashmir.
An official spokesman said during the meeting matters relating to the flagship programmes and centrally sponsored schemes were also discussed.
The Chief Minister said this year’s peaceful summer resulted in a highly successful tourist season, particularly in the Valley.