BJP threatens state-wide agitation if AFSPA is withdrawn in Jammu and Kashmir

The BJP today threatened to launch a state-wide agitation against any move by the Centre to revoke Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The Union government should not succumb to the pressure of chief minister Omar Abdullah and should abandon the idea of withdrawal of troops or AFSPA failing which the BJP will launch a massive state-wide agitation," the party said in a statement here.

It said that a  meeting of senior leaders of the party under the chairmanship of state unit president Shamsher Singh Manhas had taken serious note of reports regarding special package by central government to J&K on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The BJP said in case of withdrawal of the crucial AFSPA, the security forces will not be able to take any necessary action to destroy militant hideouts, arrest suspects or search any premises to recover arms and ammunition, it said.

"This will demoralise the army and the security forces and so the prevention of insurgency will be impossible," it warned.

"If the Centre and the state governments took any such decision on withdrawal of AFSPA, BJP will launch agitation throughout the state against this move after Eid," the release said.

The party also greeted the people of the state on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. 

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) too warned the central government against giving special packages or diluting AFSPA
in the state.

"The central government should not get mislead by the Kashmir leadership and take hasty decision for approving packages on one hand and diluting AFSPA", president of the state unit of VHP Ramakant Dubey told reporters here.

The VHP leader claimed that any amendment in the Act will have dangerous consequences. 

Accusing Pakistan of pumping fake currency, tonnes of munitions and narcotics in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country for creating disturbances, Dubey said the Centre needs to see take effective measures to check such activities of the neighbouring country.

Blaming Pakistan for the turmoil in the Valley, the outfit demanded an enquiry by a Supreme Court judge into the violence.