Jammu:
Completing three years in office, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today asserted that the issue of partial withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA in the state is not on the "backburner", noting that this demand of the state government is rightful and based on logic.
The 41-year-old Chief Minister also said that probe into the recent CISF firing on protesters against power shortage in Uri tehsil in which a 12th standard student died would be taken to its logical conclusion and he was confident that the Centre would allow law to take its own course.
Omar, who assumed office on January 5, 2009, released a report of the National Conference-Congress coalition government highlighting issues relating to governance, development and policies formulated and implemented on the ground during the three-year period.
"I believe the line we have taken (on withdrawal of AFSPA) is based on logic not on emotions. I intend to pursue it to its logical conclusion Abdullah told reporters when asked about his government's move for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) after a function in the state's winter capital, Jammu, to mark the event.
"I believe that there is a rightful case for gradual withdrawal of AFSPA from those areas where Army is not operating for years," he said. Army has stoutly opposed the move to withdraw AFSPA in the border state.
The Chief Minister further said, "I am certain of my position that I have taken now and as earlier (on the issue of withdrawal of AFSPA)."
"It is not a question of coming years. I intend to pursue in the coming weeks and months", he said, adding, "The issue is not on the backburner. Just because it is not being talked about does not mean that it is not being pursued."
Omar also cited a famous quote from popular a Charles Dickens novel 'A Tale of Two Cities' - "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" - to sum up his tenure so far on completion of three years in office.