Omar Abdullah irks at lack of support in prevention of AFSPA in J-K

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday lashed out at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for playing no role in revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state.

Abdullah said that the PDP did not support him as the opposition party saw "politics" in it and thought that his party, National Conference (NC) would walk away with the credit.

Abdullah praised the efforts of the former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, for supporting him on the issue of AFSPA.

"The amount of help I have received from Chidambaram, nobody else supported me on this issue. I wish I would have come across a few more ministers like Chidambaram in the cabinet committee on security during UPA's (United Progressive Alliance) reign. Then there would have been a marked progress in revoking AFSPA. But neither Chidambaram could convince his cabinet colleagues, nor was I successful in convincing my colleagues. PDP also played no role. When I approached to them to remove AFSPA , PDP president said that I cannot take steps until I take advice of the Armed forces. Today they may claim anything but they did not support us at that time," said Abdullah.

Abdullah also said that he tried his best but could not achieve his goal.