Srinagar: Home Minister P Chidambaram is doing his best to douse the Shopian fire in Jammu and Kashmir. At a press conference on Friday morning, Chidambaram admitted there have been unfortunate incidents and whoever is responsible will be punished.
"We had a long meeting with the Unified Command and I now have a better idea of the security situation in J-K as well as the issues which need to be addressed. It is our intention to redraw the lines of responsibilities," he stated.
Chidambaram, who is on a two-day visit to the state, said the Army and paramilitary forces would now have clearly demarcated roles.
In urban areas, state police will be in charge of law and order, while in border regions and far-flung areas, the Army will continue their defence responsibilities. He said the Army has the responsibility for "conventional" defence at the borders and also countering infiltration and terrorism.
The Home Minister also said that though militancy had decreased, agitational activities were on the rise.
The Centre will look into the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and consider "every essential aspect", Chidambaram added, while making it clear that maintenance of law and order will be the primary responsibility of the Jammu and Kashmir government.
Political parties in the state have been demanding the repeal of AFSPA on the ground that it gave unfettered powers to the security forces, who they accuse of "high-handedness".
Chidambaram said the issue of AFSPA was flagged two months ago during a meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the two leaders had agreed to look at the matter after the elections.
"I promise to look at the matter. I have to discuss it with the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister ... it will be looked into in all earnestness," he said adding, "The Government will take into account every essential aspect".
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