PDP Wants AFSPA Revocation, Says Situation in Jammu and Kashmir Has Improved

Srinagar: Ruling PDP today pitched for revocation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there is "tangible improvement" in the security situation and people need to feel the change on the ground.

"The tangible improvement in security situation in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be reciprocated with matching measures like revocation of the controversial AFSPA so that people feel the real change on the ground," PDP chief spokesperson Mehboob Beg said in a statement in Srinagar.
He said the people of the state are the biggest custodians of the state's interests and it has to be recognized.

Mr Beg also said that "legitimate aspirations" voiced by the people of the state through democratic means have to be respected to address the issues of trust-deficit and alienation.

"This is of fundamental importance to allow the democratic institutions in the state to grow and flourish without having the feeling of being in the protective custody," he said.

The PDP leader said the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led government has embarked on a mission to address developmental and governance deficit "perpetuated" by the National Conference-Congress coalition during the past six years.

"The government has to not only undo the damage done by the previous regime, but has to get going a bettered process of governance with accountability and transparency as the key elements," he said, assuring that people of Jammu and Kashmir will see the desired results on the ground soon.

Mr Beg said the state government has formulated a new recruitment policy with the objective of fast-tracking the filling up of vacancies which have been mounting despite the presence of various institutionalized recruiting agencies like SSRB, Public Service Commission and District Level Boards.

"All the recruitment under the new policy will be made in the most transparent manner with merit as the only criteria for selection," he said.

Instead of creating hurdles in addressing the issue of unemployment by filling up the posts on fast-track basis, the opposition should cooperate with the government to ensure early implementation of the new job policy, he added.