BJP opposes move for withdrawal of Armed Forces Act in J&K

The state BJP today warned of "serious repercussions" if the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) was withdrawn in Jammu and Kashmir and asked the government not to yield to such demands of separatists.     

"Being soft to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and also allowing separatists to hold rallies and bandhs in Kashmir on the withdrawal of AFSPA is an indicator that government is promoting their agenda in the state without realising the consequences," BJP state unit chief Ashok Khajuria said.     

While Defence Minister A K Antony has rejected the demand for withdrawing AFSPA by saying that the situation is not conducive in the state, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had pleaded for its withdrawl at a recent meeting of the unified command in Jammu, informed Khajuria.     

Referring to yesterday's march in Kashmir towards Chesma Shahi by Hurriyat activists, he added it was meant to boost anti-India activities and demanded that hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani should be put behind bars.     

Asserting that BJP cannot remain a silent spectator to these developments, Khajuria asked the party activists and people of Jammu to be prepared for a big fight.     

He charged the Centre with giving "preferential treatment" to Kashmir and ignoring Jammu in all matters and at all levels.