Srinagar, 27-03-2024 : Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressed her approval of Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent statement regarding the potential revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti welcomed this announcement but cautiously hoped it wouldn’t turn out to be mere political rhetoric, akin to the BJP’s promise of creating two crore jobs annually.
She emphasized the importance of concrete actions, suggesting that the Central Government should initiate the process by releasing journalists and Kashmiris who are currently detained without charges. Mufti reiterated the PDP’s longstanding demand for the repeal of the draconian AFSPA and the gradual withdrawal of troops, highlighting that this stance was a key component of the Agenda of Alliance agreed upon by the PDP and BJP.
In a statement, Mufti urged the government to fulfill its commitment regarding the revocation of AFSPA, emphasizing the significant relief it would bring to the people of the Union Territory. She urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to demonstrate sincerity by starting with the release of journalists and numerous young Kashmiris who are unjustly imprisoned. Mufti underscored the importance of translating promises into tangible actions for the betterment of the region and its inhabitants.