Kashmir Talks under Indian constitution purview: Arun Jaitley

‘AFSPA revocation depend on the progress in the situation on ground’

5 Dariya News (Muzaffar Bhat, Rouf Pampori)

Srinagar 15-Jun-2014

Over the dialogue expected to be held between New Delhi and Kashmir’s pro-freedom camp, Defense Minister Arun Jaitley said on Sunday that GOI is willing to work with anyone who wants to function under the framework of Indian Constitution.Jaitley while addressing newsmen at SKICC at the end of his two-day visit to the state maintained while answering a question whether New Delhi was in favour of holding talks with the separatists-said that the government would talk with "anyone who respects the constitution and India's sovereignty". Commenting over the revocation of the much hyped Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state, the defense minister stated that the same will depend on the progress in the situation on ground in future.

"As far as today the situation is concerned, our armed forces and local security forces have been handling the situation. Over the period of time, we have to watch how the situation progresses," Jaitley stated while addressing the press conference."As far as your question is concerned, today I am not in a position to make any comment on this," he said when asked whether New Delhi is revoking the AFSPA in the coming time.

When asked about the recent statement of the BJP that it is ready to discuss Kashmir’s special status, Jaitley stated that he is not here to discuss 370.Responding to the question over the prevailing tension on LOC and the cease fire violations, Jaitley stated, "For the situation to normalise I think it is extremely important that these kind of violations which are taking place at the LoC must stop. That in itself is a confidence building measure before any country can proceed further.""Talks and aggression can't go together. For the situation to normalise, it is important for the ceasefire violations to stop," he said, adding that he "came here to review security, I am quite optimistic about the situation here", he stated after visiting the LOC on Sunday."I wish that peace prevails here... I am going back with the sense of reasonable satisfaction," said Jaitley while concluding the press conference.