Srinagar, Mar 28: Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former minister, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Thursday welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement regarding the consideration of revoking the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir, along with the gradual withdrawal of security forces from the region.

In a statement issued here, Hakeem expressed his appreciation for Home Minister’s remarks and sought release of all prisoners who are languishing in different jails and are not involved in serious criminal cases. “Taking such steps on the eve of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr would serve as magnificent confidence-building measures (CBMs) to restore people's trust and faith in the democratic system,” he said.

Yaseen said the removal of AFSPA would provide significant relief to the affected people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The early removal of AFSPA would be a strong rebuke to those who had imposed the draconian law in Jammu and Kashmir during their regime, merely to appease their bosses in the Centre and protect their political positions,” he said. 

Highlighting the discernible improvement in the overall security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, the former minister urged the Centre not to delay further in removing AFSPA, conducting assembly elections, and restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.