Congress says will reduce presence of Army and central armed police forces in Kashmir. Party says it will make suitable changes to balance requirements of security and protection of human rights. Congress spokesperson clarifies, says decision only after consulting the army

The Congress proposed to reduce the presence of the Indian Army and central armed police forces (CAPFs) in the Kashmir valley in its manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress manifesto, which was released on Tuesday by party president Rahul Gandhi, added that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act and the Disturbed Areas Act in Jammu and Kashmir will be reviewed.

On AFSPA, Congress added that it will make suitable changes in the text of the laws to balance requirements of security and the protection of human rights.

Congress promises to review the deployment of armed forces, move more troops to the border to stop infiltration completely, reduce the presence of the Army and CAPFs in the Kashmir Valley, the manifesto said.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surejwala, however, clarified the party stand and said, We will not withdraw it without consulting the army. It will be discussed on case to case basis, but not without consulting the army. There are some areas, where AFPSA is required.

In the 53-page manifesto, Congress affirmed that the whole of Jammu and Kashmir is part of India. We also acknowledge the unique history of the state and the unique circumstances under which the State acceded to India that led to the inclusion of Article 370 in the Constitution of India. Nothing will be done or allowed to change the Constitutional position, the Congress manifesto added.

Highlighting that dialogue is the only way forward in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress said, We will adopt a two-pronged approach: firstly, uncompromising firmness on the border and ending infiltration; and secondly, absolute fairness in dealing with the demands of the people and winning their hearts and minds.

The Congress also promised three Congress interlocutors to hold talks in the state. We promise the people of J&K talks without pre-conditions. We will appoint three interlocutors drawn from civil society to facilitate such talks, the manifesto added.