This refers to Army Chief’s statement “Long term vision need for J&K.” I think this vision can well begin from revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and also by reduction of forces from civilian areas. Someone has to take such an initiative as it is the long pending demand of the people of Kashmir. Army has been constantly opposing the AFSPA revocation while the Home Ministry many times said it was looking into the issue. But they seem to be poles apart in this issue, which is hampering the final call. New Delhi often talks about the Confidence Building Measures on Kashmir, but it faces the criticism from within, making things difficult for it. Sometimes it is the BJP which corners the UPA Government and sometimes it is the Army which opposes the initiatives like withdrawal of forces. Recently the Army and Home Secretary came at loggerheads with each other when the latter proposed 25 percent forces cut in the state. Such a discord is not going to benefit anyone but worsen the problems. It is better if India acknowledges the need to reduce forces in the state so that civilians feel a sigh of relief.

Irum Khan
Kulgam Kashmir

Lastupdate on : Thu, 3 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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