Ample scope to go-ahead on AFSPA decision: Omar Abdullah

JAMMU: Sticking to his demand for revocation of AFSPA from some areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said there is ample scope to go-ahead with the move while addressing the concerns of the Army.

"I believe there is ample scope for us to go ahead with what we have decided to do, while at the same time addressing concerns that the Army has flagged off", Omar told reporters here today.

He was replying to a volley of questions about the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from some districts and what was his stand after his return from New Delhi, where he met the central leadership over the issue.

The Chief Minister further stated that he does not want a public debate over the issue.

"I do not want to get into the debate through the media on AFSPA. I have already told media on the two occasion when I was coming out from the meeting with Union Home Minister and Union Finance Minister", Omar, who was here to inaugurate a Kisan Mela organised by the State Horticulture Department, said.

Omar is demanding revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from certain parts of the state, a move which is opposed by the Army saying it will handicap its ability to operate there.