Srinagar, June 16: The revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act was one of issues that figured during a meeting between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Army Chief General Bikram Singh here Saturday.
General Singh was on his two-day maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir since taking over as the Chief of the Army Staff on May 31. He wrapped up his visit Saturday afternoon after addressing officers at 15 Corps Headquarters here. A spokesman of Army did not mention the discussion about the AFSPA during the meeting between Gen Singh and Omar Abdullah, but sources said the matter was discussed.
Sources said the meeting lasted for more than half an hour (11.30 am to 12 noon) at Gupkar residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. During the meeting Omar Abdullah apprised General Singh about the efforts of his government for AFSPA revocation from certain pockets of J&K.
“Omar told Gen Singh that there is drastic decline in militancy in J&K,” sources said adding that he was also told the people now want revocation of the laws that have been implemented more than two decades ago to counter militancy.
Gen Singh was accompanied by Northern Command Chief Lt Gen K T Parnaik and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Corps Lt Gen Om Prakash.
Army has time and again opposed the revocation of AFSA by saying that it would hamper the anti-militancy operations and render the forces handicapped.
Earlier Saturday morning, Army Chief visited the forward posts in Uri and Gurez Sectors of Baramulla district and met the soldiers guarding the Line of Control. “During the visit to forward posts he complimented the soldiers for their outstanding vigilance, state of preparedness and high morale,” Defence spokesman said here. “Chief also appreciated the measures taken to stop infiltration.”
Before wrapping up his visit, General Singh addressed the officers at the 15 Corps. He asked the senior Army officers to continue winning the hearts and minds of people.
“He told us there is no change in policy and carry out the people friendly operations for winning the hearts and minds of people,” the spokesman said. “He also directed us to respect the human rights at any cost and carryout the anti-militancy operations without any collateral damage.”
General Singh had met Governor N N Vohra Friday evening and discussed matters relating to internal and external security situation.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST