Srinagar, Nov 11 (KNS): National Conference President and Member Parliament of Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday asked GoI to shun rigidity on Kashmir and start meaningful, result oriented dialogue with all the stakeholders.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a party function at Nawa e Subah today Dr Abdullah said, “It’s very strange that a minister in Modi’s cabinet refers to Instrument of Accession with reference to Pakistan administered Kashmir but conveniently forgets the three conditions under which Maharaja Hari Singh acceded to the Union of India. This is not only a negative approach but sets a dangerous precedence where the facts are deliberately being muzzled.”
The Party President said that both nuclear powered nations need to find some way out through negotiations. “The only solution to any conflict is dialogue which essentially forms the basis of our political stand on Kashmir. NC has always been a votary of dialogue process and will continue to be so. However the way dialogue process is being handled by the current Modi led regime at the center, I am getting a little skeptical about its outcome,” he said.
Reminding GoI of the history of its political outreach to Kashmir and its outcome, Dr Abdullah said, “Governments at the centre have never been sincere with Kashmir and its leadership. We have always been forthcoming with them. Unfortunately the feeling was not mutual which has resulted in the growth of alienation and general mistrust among a huge section of people in the valley towards GoI and its initiatives. In spite of that we are still hopeful of some positive outcome for the state and its people who have suffered immensely in these violent three decades of armed militancy,” he said.
Dr Abdullah while reiterating the demand for restoration of internal autonomy to the state said, “Restoration of Autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir is the only viable solution to decades old problem. It is our right and it should be restored. As far as the solution to other Kashmir is concerned, I have said this earlier too and i am repeating it here. That part of Kashmir will remain with Pakistan and this part with India. Only then the peace will return to the state.”
On the occasion party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Senior leaders Ab Rahim Rather, Mohammad Shafi Uri, North Zone President Mohammad Akbar Lone, Provincial Vice Presidents Mohammad Syed Akhoon, Mushtaq Guroo, Provincial Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar were also present.
Dr Farooq Abdullah made these comments after an interaction with YNC members who gave him a warm welcome after getting re elected as Party President. Provincial team Youth National Conference was led by its Provincial President Salman Ali Sagar. VP Younus Gul, Ahsan Pardesi, Saleem Akhoon, Mudassir Shahmiri, Jehangir Wani and District Presidents were also present.
The Party President also interacted with a delegation of women’s wing office bearers’. Provincial President Womens wing and MLA Habba Kadal Mtr Shameema Firdous highlighted issues concerning the party wing. Dr Abdullah heard them patiently and instructed them to involve more women into party affairs.
Later Dr Abdullah addressed a huge gathering of Sikh community members led by Minority cell in charge Sardar Jagdish Singh Azad. (KNS)