PDP-BJP govt maintains status quo on Art 370, AFSPA

Departing from their respective positions on critical issue, the PDP-BJP government today promised to maintain the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and examine the need for denotifying 'disturbed areas' in the state to enable the Centre take a final view on the Armed Forces Special Power's Act.
The common minimum programme of the two parties, 'Agenda of the Alliance' released by the Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed after the swearing-in ceremony, also pledged to pursue Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) to enhance people-to- people contact on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) to encourage travel and trade with Pak-occupied Kashmir.

"While recognising the different positions and appreciating the perceptions BJP and PDP have on the constitutional status of J&K, considering the political and legislative realities, the present position will be maintained on all the constitutional provisions pertaining to J&K, including the special status in the Constitution of India," the 16-page document said.
The BJP has for long been demanding the scrapping of Article 370 which provides Special status to the state.
On the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), it says while both the parties have historically held a different view on the AFSPA and need for it in the state at present, the coalition government said it will examine the need for denotifying the 'disturbed areas' in the state.

"This, as a consequence, would enable the Union government to take a final view on the continuation of AFSPA in these areas," the document said.

Sayeed, while addressing a press conference, had said he was not at all disappointed on the issue, as no agreement was reached on scrapping of AFSPA.
"I am, as the Chief Minister, the Chairman of United Command. I will make them (Army) accountable. Mujhe maloom hai kaise mahaul ko banana hai (I know how to create the situation)," he said.
The CMP also said that the purpose of this alliance is to form a coalition government that will be empowered to catalyse reconciliation and confidence building within and across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir thereby ensuring peace in the state.