SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday promised to repeal the controversial public safety act (PSA) if the National Conference is elected with
“I assure you and through you I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the day National Conference makes its government on its own, God willing in 2019, within days I will repeal PSA. I am telling you (workers) that I will blot it out from the papers forever,” Omar said amid applause from his party workers.
Addressing NC’s workers’ convention in south Kashmir’s Pulwama, Omar said the state witnessed many “handicapped” governments in the form of coalitions.
“We have seen enough of handicapped governments where we remain at the mercy of someone. Late Mufti (Muhammad Sayeed) was there (CM) courtesy (Ghulam Nabi) Azad and Azad was CM thanks to Mufti. And I remained in power for six years because of Congress support,” Omar said.
Reasoning further for one party rule in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said “that is why we want a government on our own so that we will rectify certain things.”
“We know that the armed forces special powers act (AFSPA) won’t be revoked without discussing it with center. And for that we will discuss it with the center. But what about state laws why we can’t revoke them,” the NC vice president said.
He said that Kashmir youth should not be arrested under PSA and for months together their parents suffer for their dear ones.
“Why would our youth be arrested under PSA? Why parents won’t suffer when their children are being lodged for months. Governments are meant to heal the wounds of people and to provide relief to them,” Omar added.