JAMMU: BJP leader L K Advani on Wednesday said continuous efforts were being made to “demonise” the Army and asked the government not to take any decision on the issue of withdrawal of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir without the armed force’s consent.
“I feel at this point of time, Government of India should say with determination, whatever we will do in Jammu and Kashmir as far as this Act is concerned, we will not do anything without the consent of Army,” Advani said during his Jan Chetana Yatra here. Advani, who arrived in Jammu as a part of his 40th day country-wide rath yatra against corruption and blackmoney, said, “If Army agrees (on AFSPA revocation), then do it or if not then do not do it”. The BJP leader said “there should be a firm stand on it (AFSPA). There should be no hesitation”.
“Due to Army, Jammu and Kashmir has remained a part of the country. They are keeping it as a part of the country. But continued attempts are being made to demonise the Army- be it AFSPA or else. It is projected that Jammu and Kashmir has a problem and it is Army,” Advani said. “If there are any excesses it should be corrected. We also get some examples of excesses regarding Manipur. It should be done away,” he said adding, “But in Jammu and Kashmir there should be a separate and firm approach.” (PTI)
