Srinagar:
The Jammu and Kashmir government has convened a crucial meeting of the Unified Command on November 9 to discuss the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said the Act - described as draconian by its critics - will be withdrawn from some parts of the state. The Army has opposed this, arguing that the protection the Act offers is critical for it to ensure law and order in the state.
Congress leaders in the state have said they were not consulted by Mr Abdullah. The Congress partners with Mr Abdullah's National Conference party in the state government.
This disagreement led to a behind-the-scene debate on the efficacy of such a decision. Now, sources have told NDTV that two compromise formulas have evolved and would be discussed at the Unified Command meeting before a final decision is taken.
The first formula that comes from the Army proposes the removal of the Army from some areas while retaining AFSPA. It suggests police and para-military forces take charge of these areas but allow the Army to come in whenever required. Such an arrangement is in force in Assam.
The second formula to be discussed at the meeting is the one proposed by the state government. It suggests removal of AFSPA from select police station areas in the state while retaining provisions of the AFSPA around Army garrisons and installations. This, the government says, will give the Army enough powers to deal with any emergency. The Army, however, is reluctant to accept this proposal, calling the arrangement impractical.
The Chief Minister had announced the decision to call a meeting of the Unified Command in an interview to NDTV. In his first detailed interview since the debate erupted, Omar Abdullah told NDTV that he has stuck his neck out and he stands by his intention. He added that the time has come to stop waiting for an elusive consensus and take a chance with his peace proposal.