Antony dismisses demands for withdrawal of AFSPA from J-K

'Militancy has come down substantially but at the same time our feedback is not giving us comfort.'

Defence Minister A K Antony today dismissed demands for the withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir,saying infiltration attempts were still continuing and terrorists could not be given any “opportunity to succeed” there.

“Militancy has come down substantially but at the same time our feedback is not giving us comfort. Attempts for infiltration are still continuing… We cannot take any step that will give an opportunity for militants to succeed there,” he told reporters here.

The minister was asked if the controversial Act could be repealed,or withdrawn from the Kashmir Valley.

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Stressing on the need for armed forces to be careful,Antony said,”Inimical forces across the border are trying to send people to Jammu and Kashmir 24×7.”

Observing that the situation in the state was fast improving “because of various reasons”,he said the security forces cannot relax and have to be vigilant.

Several political leaders,including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,have sought partial withdrawal and dilution of the AFSPA in recent months. The Home ministry has indicated that it was already doing a review of the law that provided sweeping powers to the armed forces.