J&K Health Minister Calls for AFSPA Review, Citing Improved Security Situation
Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday called for the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from J&K, arguing the Centre's own assertions of restored normalcy justify its repeal before any northeastern states. Her remarks came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced plans to withdraw AFSPA from most of the northeast by next year, citing improved security conditions. The statement reignites a long-running debate over AFSPA in J&K and adds political pressure on the Centre ahead of a planned protest in New Delhi demanding statehood restoration.
National Conference leader and J&K Health Minister Sakina Itoo on June 12, 2026, publicly demanded the repeal of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir, contending that if the government claims stone pelting has ended and normalcy has returned, the law should be removed from J&K before the northeast. Her comments were a direct response to Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement that the Centre intends to fully withdraw AFSPA from nearly the entire northeast by next year due to declining insurgency. AFSPA was extended to J&K in September 1990 and has remained in force since, surviving multiple political promises of review. During his first tenure as Chief Minister (2009–2014), Omar Abdullah repeatedly advocated phased withdrawal from peaceful areas, and the 2015 PDP-BJP coalition's agenda of alliance also included a review provision, but neither government acted on it. In March 2024, Amit Shah again indicated the Centre would consider revoking AFSPA in J&K, but no action followed. Itoo also reiterated the demand for restoration of J&K's statehood, describing it as a right, and said a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi is being planned to press the issue.
What's missing
Neither source details which specific areas, if any, have already been de-notified as 'disturbed' under AFSPA in J&K in recent years.
How coverage differed
The Times of India provided significantly more historical and political context, including the background of Itoo's family, the 1990 extension of AFSPA, and the repeated unfulfilled promises by successive governments and Amit Shah. The Hindu focused more narrowly on Itoo's direct statements without this broader framing.
What different sources said
- Times of IndiaCenter
AFSPA debate returns to J&K as minister seeks its repeal before North East
- The HinduCenter
Review AFSPA in J&K if situation is normal: Minister
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