National Conference will give priority to removal of AFSPA if voted to power in Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah

National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that if his party comes to power, it will give priority to removal of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir and end the “harassment” of Kashmiri youth. Abdullah had advocated removal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) when he was the chief minister of the then Jammu and Kashmir state in 2012. He had even declared that AFSPA would have been removed during his tenure, but the proposal faced stiff opposition from the army. Welcoming prominent political activists into the party, Abdullah said, “The party (National Conference) reiterates its unwavering commitment to fulfill the promises made in its manifesto. If voted to power, the National Conference-led government will give priority to removal of AFSPA, which will put an end to the harassment of our youth.”Highlighting the importance of the party’s manifesto, Abdullah said it truly reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “That is why the BJP rejected it,” he said. Abdullah cautioned that “every vote cast in favour of parties other than the National Conference and its allies will only strengthen the BJP, whichever party is elected.