AFSPA can be revoked on an ‘experimental basis’, says Mehbooba Mufti

Joining the chorus of Indian media and Indian politicians who have blamed Pakistan for the uprising in Kashmir, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said on Sunday that it was unusual that Pakistan was praising Burhan Wani even while it was bombing and killing those who have picked up arms against it.

Lashing out at Pakistan, Mehbooba urged the neighbouring nation to change its policy towards India. If successful we can revoke it in entirety. Pakistan’s attitude is very belligerent, Nawaz Sharif has said that Jammu and Kashmir to become part of Pakistan. “After revoking AFSPA in a few areas, we can assess the situation there”.

She said there was an opportunity not just for the whole country but for Pakistan as well to have a dialogue and address the issue.

“As far as AFSPA is concerned, we were not saying that it should be revoked in one go”.

Mufti earlier today said the process of revoking the AFSPA can be started on experimental basis.

“There are some issues like dialogue, peace process, winning hearts of people here”, she said. The Home Minister came and tried to reach out to the people of Kashmir.

“Unfortunately, the country (Pak) that claims they’re a victim of terrorism themselves, encourages Kashmiri youth to take up guns”, she said in a statement today.

Mehbooba said a start has to be made somewhere to improve the situation in the state. “The goodwill gesture that our Prime Minister had started by going to Lahore is the only way”, she added. “He created an agenda of alliance that this is the way if you have to take out Jammu and Kashmir from the problem”, she said.

“The roadmap by Mufti and Vajpayee that borders can not be changed but made irrelevant so that people move across and there is trade. Its important to start dialogue, confident building measures between the two nations”.

“We understand Pakistan herself is a victim of terrorism and that is why they had to launch Lal Masjid operation”, she added. “The best period was 2002 when Mufti Government was formed here and Vajpayee Government was formed in New Delhi”, she said.