JKNC reignites debate on revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act

The demand comes as the National Conference intensifies its campaign for the restoration of full statehood and greater political autonomy for J&K

Chandra Maurya

June 12, 2026

The demand comes as the National Conference intensifies its campaign for the restoration of full statehood and greater political autonomy for J&K

If Northeast can, why not J&K? NC revives AFSPA debate

In a significant development that has reignited long-standing debates on security laws in Jammu and Kashmir, senior National Conference (NC) leader and Health & Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday called for the complete revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the Union Territory.

Itoo argued that if the Centre views the security situation as sufficiently improved to withdraw the law from most Northeastern states, the same logic should apply to J&K, where she claimed normalcy has returned with no major unrest.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on the sidelines of an inspection visit, Itoo directly referenced Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement on June 11 that AFSPA would be withdrawn from the entire Northeast next year, except for one or two states.

“If it is better (in the Northeast), then it should be removed from here too. If they say that the situation has improved, now there is nothing here. Now there are no stones, nothing is happening. After that, I think it should be removed from here first,” she said.

Itoo also reiterated the NC-led government’s demand for the restoration of full statehood to J&K, stating that the issue has been consistently raised with the Centre for nearly two years.

She noted that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has personally taken up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a Cabinet resolution seeking statehood has been sent to New Delhi. Plans for a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament were also mentioned.

During his previous tenure as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah had aggressively pushed for partial withdrawal of AFSPA from districts where the Army had minimal operational roles. These efforts faced strong opposition from the Army and central authorities, who argued that the security situation did not warrant it at the time.

Itoo’s statement is likely to intensify political discourse ahead of the Monsoon Session, with the NC government positioning itself as actively advocating for the restoration of statehood. It is also expected to highlight the contrast in the Centre’s approach to the Northeast versus J&K, potentially pressuring New Delhi for parity.

The BJP has historically opposed the dilution of AFSPA without complete peace. Local opposition parties like the PDP have long demanded revocation alongside troop reduction.

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