AFSPA to stay in J-K for now

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 2

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), giving special powers to security forces fighting militancy, would be revoked from Jammu and Kashmir only when the situation was conducive in the state.

The minister hoped an improvement in the overall security situation in the state would lead to a point where AFSPA would no longer be required. The Home Minister, who was speaking after visiting the Amarnath shrine, also ruled out talks with separatists. He reviewed the security scenario at a meeting of senior civil, police and security forces officers on his arrival yesterday.n The Home Minister said India was committed to having cordial relations with neighbours, including Pakistan. 

What Rajnath said

Ties with Pak: India is committed to having cordial ties with neighbours, including Pakistan. The Centre wants not only good but friendly ties with Pakistan

Talks with separatists: The Centre has no proposal to hold talks with the separatists in J-K. “We are ready to listen (and) talk to anyone but  anti-national activities should be opposed and boycotted”