SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Centre would consider revoking the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act from Jammu and Kashmir and has a roadmap for withdrawing troops from the Union Territory.
In an interview with Gulistan News, Shah mentioned that the government would indeed contemplate revoking AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir in the future. He added, “The situation is improving, and we are promptly considering revoking AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir. A change in the state of affairs is under consideration.”
When asked about reducing the presence of security forces in JK due to an enhanced law and order situation, he stated that the government has already devised a plan for troop withdrawal, which will commence after elections.
“We have plans to withdraw troops and entrust law and order solely to the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Previously, the JK police lacked trust from New Delhi, but now they are leading efforts to manage any situation,” he mentioned.
Shah highlighted that earlier, the CRPF and security forces handled law and order, but now the government has empowered the JK Police, which is now leading in handling situations.
“We are bolstering the JK police, and it has now become self-reliant. Most encounters are now conducted by the police. We only provide central forces to support them, and there has been a shift in culture.”
He further stated that the troop withdrawal process has already commenced, explaining why the JK police is at the forefront. (KNS)
