Srinagar, Dec 29 (IANS) Reiterating his demand for revoking the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday mocked the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for indulging in ‘doublespeak’ on the issue.
Addressing a large public gathering at Shadipora village, where he inaugurated a bridge over Jhelum river connecting the two northern districts of Ganderbal and Bandipora, Abdullah said: ‘While the PDP talks in favour of AFSPA revocation in Srinagar, its leadership keeps mum about it in Jammu and in Delhi.’
‘People are wise enough to understand the designs behind PDP’s doublespeak,’ he said.
The chief minister reiterated that the removal of the AFSPA, which gives sweeping powers to the security forces in insurgency-affected areas, was the top priority of his government.
‘There will be no let-up in this struggle to gradually see off laws like AFSPA from the state, which have served their purpose, to make people relish the fruits of peace,’ he said.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the function, he also took a dig at Anna Hazare.
‘While fighting for the country’s independence, Mahatma Gandhi went on fast just five times while Anna Hazare has already done so thrice this year,’ Omar said.
‘Naturally, some fatigue and tiredness has resulted in his calling off the fast, which I hope is called off permanently.’
‘Anna Hazare must have realized that India is not Delhi alone,’ the chief minister said.
