Srinagar:
A crucial meeting of the Unified Command has begun to discuss the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir. Headed by Chief MinisterOmar Abdullah, the Unified Command is the top decision-making body on matters concerning security in the state. Today's meeting is being attended by representatives from the Army.
Mr Abdullah has said the Act - described as draconian by its critics - must be withdrawn from some parts of the state. But the Army has reportedly opposed this, arguing that the protection the Act offers is critical for it to ensure law and order in the state.
Making a strong case for his proposal to lift AFSPA from areas where the Army is not actively engaged, Mr Abdullah said today that "one cannot wait till the last gun falls silent. We have to take steps like this at some point."
"It is not our intention to lift AFSPA from areas where the Army still needs to perform its duties. We've never said we'll lift AFSPA from areas such as Sopore, Baramulla and Kupwara. If the act is revoked from areas where the Army hasn't been active in years, why should that be a problem? If there are areas where the Army hasn't been active in, then why do they need that protection?" the Chief Minister said ahead of the crucial meeting.
Responding to apprehensions on the timing of his proposal, he said, "For last few years, militancy has been on the decrease. If we say we are going to wait for the last gun to fall silent and then take action, then perhaps that time will never come. We have to take steps like this at some point."
Congress leaders in Mr Abdullah's state have complained that they were not consulted over the partial lifting of the Act. The Congress partners with Mr Abdullah's National Conference party in the state government.
While the debate on the efficacy of such a decision is still on, sources have told NDTV that two compromise formulas have evolved and would be discussed at the Unified Command meeting today before a final decision is taken.
The first formula that comes from the Army proposes reduction of troops 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.
(Watch the full interview here)