Govt will revoke special powers act, says Omar

Armed forces may be divested of their special powers in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since violence broke out in the Valley in early 1990s. Chief minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that the government was working towards revoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives sweeping powers to troops.

Replying to a debate on AFSPA in the state assembly during his maiden address as the chief minister, Omar said: "We have started the process of revoking the AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act (DAA)."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday announced that his government is considering a proposal to revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), stripping the armed forces of special powers in the terrorism-hit state.

Replying to a debate on the withdrawal of the AFSPA and human rights violations, Abdullah said: "We have started the process of revoking the AFSPA and Disturbed Area Act,"

Srinagar, Feb 25: A curfew like situation prevailed in Srinagar on Wednesday over the killing of two young men, allegedly by the army.

Security personnel were on guard in almost every part of the city with deserted streets.

The city bore a deserted look with vehicles barred from plying on road.

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Mahashivratri, the most important religious festival of Kashmiri Pandits, is being celebrated across the Kashmir valley today.

Though a majority of Pandits migrated from the valley due to the eruption of militancy about 18-years-ago, people here continue to cherish the traditional glory associated with the annual festival.

Mahashivratri is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits as ‘Hairath’.

The Governor, NN Vohra and several other top leaders have extended their greetings to the Pandits on the eve of Mahashivratri.