Withdrawal of AFSPA could help extremists: BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday opposed withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in Jammu and Kashmir, saying such a step could help extremists who are "caught in crossfire" in Pakistan.

"The BJP is of the opinion that any dilution of the AFSPA or any attempt to nullify it would be a setback to the process initiated to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir," BJP spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters.

"We would appeal to the Union Government not to buckle under pressures or politics of appeasement," he said. Rudy praised the armed forces, the state police and the central paramilitary forces for playing "an exemplary role" in fighting terror in Jammu and Kashmir and other places.

"In 2001 we had witnessed more than 4000 killings including of civilians, security personnel and terrorists. In 2011, it has come down to 400. It is a remarkable achievement by the armed forces, the state police as well as the central paramilitary forces," he BJP spokesperson said.

"Any attempt (to withdraw AFSPA) would nullify the achievement made so far. This debate is uncalled for," Rudy said.

"We should also take a cue from the statement made by the US secretary of State that there are snakes in the backyard of Pakistan," Rudy told reporters.

"Recently there was liquidation of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Pakistan and such elements in Pakistan are looking out for an opening as they are under crossfire today," Rudy said.