KL Report

SRINAGAR

A day after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that National Conference and Congress was on same page regarding Armed force special power act revocation State Congress Chief  Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz Monday  said there have been enough debates on (AFSPA), now it is the  time to revoke the act. He also said that he was ready to mediate between New Delhi and Separatist. “If I were to assign the job of mediating between separatists and union Government, being Kashmiri, I would be more than happy, because this would not only relieve people from the suffocation but also help improve the situation in the state”, he said.

On Sunday Omar Abdullah had said that Congress chief also has supported the demand and want to revoke it from selected areas of the state.

Talking to reporters on the sideline of a function at Pradesh congress committee’s headquarters here Soz said, “Time is ripe when Partial revocation of AFSPA is needed. Armed force special power act should not be made a public debate only but should also be given a serious thought now. There is a common feeling among the people of the state that partial revocation of (AFSPA) is need of the hour. There was a time when Armed force special power act (AFSPA) was a requirement but now when peace has returned I also feel   that partial revocation of Act from selected areas should be made possible soon,” said Soz, while replying to questions on the sidelines of a function at party head quarter.

He added, “My stand is clear on the subject that the law is temporary and cannot be made permanent the decision regarding the selection of areas from where the act is to be revoked can be taken after discussion with stake holders. I am of firm belief that the stake holders, including army, police, paramilitary, and ministry of defence and above all the people of the state must be consulted so as to take a consensus decision,” he added.

Condemned the Maoist strike on congress party leaders and activists Soz said, “We are against terrorism, Naxalsim, mowism and called upon concerned authorities to do their utmost to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.”

When asked to comment on Prime Ministers visit to Kashmir Soz said, “Yes Prime minster is scheduled to visit Kashmir and  expected to release a stamp in the name of Kashmir’s famed poet Ghulam Ahmed Mehjoor and is also scheduled to “dedicate” Qazigund Banihal railway line and Mugal Road to people.”

In connection with the PM’s expected dialogue process Soz called upon separatists to come forward and give a positive response in the expected dialogue process. “I am ready to act as a bridge between separatists and New Delhi if required. Doors are always open to settle the issue through peaceful means dialogue is the only way to resolve Kashmir,” Soz said.

Commenting on the proposed visit of Rahul Ghandi Soz said, “It has been postponed due to the unfortunate attack by Maoist on congress party at Chhattisgarh.

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