AFSPA debate returns to J&K as minister seeks its repeal before North East

Sakina Itoo Itoo is only woman minister in the Omar Abdullah cabinet and is highly regarded within the governing party. AFSPA was extended to J&K on Sept 10, 1990. During his first tenure as chief minister from 2009 to 2014, Omar had repeatedly advocated the phased withdrawal of AFSPA from “peaceful areas.”

By NASEER GANAI