Srinagar, April 16 - Recent events in Afghanistan will have a long term bearing on Kashmir, Lt Gen S.A. Hasnain, general officer commanding (GOC) the army's Srinagar based 15th corps, said here Monday.

Addressing the media here, Lt Gen Hasnain said in reply to a question: 'There is no immediate effect at all. There are events which put together can give us certain indicators.

'But, in the long term, Yes, I have always maintained that an event in one place can have a ripple effect somewhere else, and I am sure the ripples will reach here.'

The GOC dispelled fears that separatist posters appearing in certain places in the Valley could affect the security situation.

'First of all, we are too used to these posters. If the army fears poster warfare then the army should sit forever. The fact is that the people do not heed these poster messages.'

About the possibility of violence erupting around the municipal elections likely to be held next month, the GOC said, 'During the panchayat elections too, some violence had happened. The political activity at the grassroots level has to continue, and for that the police jointly with the army are responsible for creating a conducive atmosphere.'

Asked about his stand on the controversial armed forces special powers act (AFSPA) which Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wants to be repealed in a phased manner from the state, Lt Gen Hasnain said: 'We have made our stance on AFSPA clear, and I do not need to repeat it here.'