Govt will revoke special powers act, says Omar

Armed forces may be divested of their special powers in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since violence broke out in the Valley in early 1990s. Chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that the government was working towards revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives sweeping powers to troops.

Replying to a debate on AFSPA in the state assembly during his maiden address as the chief minister, Omar said: "We have started the process of revoking the AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act (DAA)."

"The first step has been taken with the replacement of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Srinagar," he said. The debate was kicked off by PDP members, mostly from the Valley, demanding that the special powers of the armed forces be withdrawn.

Omar admitted that 24 people were killed in custody while another 240 died in cross-fire between 2003 and 2005.

"Under AFSPA, powers are vested even in a constable to shoot anybody on mere suspicion and destroy property on mere suspicion of being the ultras hideouts. In normal circumstances, a competent magistrate gives orders to open fire," said GN Shaheen, general secretary of Kashmir Bar Association.

Ishfaq-ul-Hassan/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication