J-K Thaw: Centre to relook at special armed forces act

Srinagar: On a visit to the Valley against the backdrop of agitations over the alleged rape and murder of two women in Shopian, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday promised action against the guilty and a re-look into the law giving special powers to Armed Forces.

Winding up his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Chidambaram also expressed Centre's readiness to hold talks at an "appropriate time" with all stakeholders to resolve issues confronting the state.

He said the state government has briefed him about the Shopian incident and it has been its intention to hold a thorough inquiry and punish anyone found guilty.

"There will be proper action, proper follow up. If anyone is found guilty, he or she will be punished." he said.

Referring to the demands for repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, the Home Minister said that issue was flagged by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his meeting before the general elections.

"When I met the Chief Minister two months ago, I told him that we will discuss the issue after the polls. I promised to look into the matter. I would have to discuss the matter with the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister," he said adding the issue would be looked into in all earnestness.

"Leave the matter at this stage," he said.

Asked about the status of talks with separatist groups, Chidambaram said, "We are all aware of the political issues involved in Jammu and Kashmir...That process of dialogue will begin at an appropriate time. We will have to engage everyone in that process of dialogue".

"But when it (dialouge) will commence etc. etc. we will discuss the matter and then we will make an announcement at an appropriate time," he said.

The talks between the Centre and separatists of Kashmir have been stalled since 2004, when the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq had held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Several round table conferences organised by the Centre to discuss the issue were boycotted by the separatists on the plea that they will not join "all and sundry".

The Home Minister said the Government is trying to redraw the responsibilities of the security forces in the state. He said the Army is responsible for conventional defence and counter-infiltration along the border.

"The Army also comes in the aid of states in countering terrorism. But we like Army to do this in far away areas from towns and cities. In inhabited areas, we believe, the maintenance of law and order is the primary responsibility of state police," he said.

Whenever the need will arise, paramilitary as well as the Army can be called in to handle difficult situation, he said.

"This redrawing the responsibility will take time, I can't give any timeframe. But that is the direction in which we are going," Chidambaram said.

He assured the Chief Minister that Centre will extend aid in every possible manner to improve the security environment in the state.

"Fortunately, stability has been reasonably assured after the elections to the Jammu and Kashmir state legislature and to Parliament. The next step is to improve security environment," he said.

Asked about the reports of infiltration from across the border, Chidambaram said, "There is infiltration. Many infiltrators have been neutralised at the border. But many have been successful. They have come here to foment trouble".

He, however, said militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has come down considerably. "Militant activities have been contained and reduced," he said.

The Home Minister expressed concern about the increasing agitations which interfere with normal activities of the people.

"I appeal to everyone that agitational activities must be contained and must not interfere in people's life. I believe that most organisations have began rethinking on the subject so that normal life can be carried on, normal governance can also carry on," he said.

Chidambaram said the Centre would offer all assistance to the state government for its development plans.

"I have assured the Chief Minister and the state government that we will go back to Delhi and work out a proper monitoring system so that the Prime Minister's Action Plan and normal plan is implemented effectively in the state. Whatever assistance is required, we will provide and it is our obligation to do so," he said.

The Home Minister said that the state has some peculiar problems deserving special attention.

"The special and unique problems of J and K deserve special attention, special care. They will be addressed," Chidambaram said.