Omar hails Shinde's statement on AFSPA

Appreciating Union Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde's statement on revocation of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said he was hopeful the talks with the Centre on the issue will be taken to a logical conclusion.
"It is good that the Home Minister has acknowledged our viewpoint," Omar told reporters at the sidelines of a function here.
Shinde said yesterday that the government was considering the demand of various states including Jammu and Kashmir for withdrawal of the controversial AFSP Act, and a final decision will be taken only after talking to all stakeholders.

Omar expressed hope that the talks with the Centre on partial revocation of AFSPA from the state would bear fruit and a start will be made soon.
"It is an ongoing process. Talks are going on with the Centre on this issue. I am hopeful that we will take this to logical conclusion," Omar said.
Asked about the Army's opposition to AFSPA revocation, Omar said that it is nothing new.

"That is government of India's problem to get it resolved... We are hopeful that we will make a start (soon)," he said.
The Chief Minister also claimed that the Parliament "was misled to some extent" on the issue as it was told that Jammu and Kashmir government had not submitted any proposal for revocation of the controversial act.

"If you remember, the Parliament was misled to some extent on this issue. A question was asked in Parliament that has the government of Jammu and Kashmir submitted any proposal for revocation of AFSPA. The government had said 'no' which was totally wrong," he said.
Meanwhile, Omar expressed concern over highly qualified youth joining militant ranks, saying his government has taken note of the development.
"It is a matter of concern that the militants killed in recent encounters (in south Kashmir) were educated... I can't say anything off hand, but we have taken note of it," Omar told reporters.