Srinagar, Mar 23 (KNS): J&K National Conference leader and Constituency Incharge Pampore Yawar Masoodi has requested the Muzaffarabad based United Jihad Council (UJC), an amalgam of all the militant organisations operating in Kashmir, to seriously consider declaration of ceasefire in Kashmir during the forthcoming Parliament and Assembly Elections.

“The violence during elections adversely affects the democratic rights ofpeople and thereby deprives them from effective participation in the electoral process. It is time UJC realises the importance of democratically elected representatives in the Parliament and State Assembly and their role in the resolution of Kashmir issue and should therefore take every step to ensure that well meaning and true representatives of the people’s voice get elected and the first step in this direction will be to ensure a violence free election in Kashmir with greater participation of the people,” Yawar said.

He said that the unwarranted ban on socio-religious organisations, application of constitutional provisions to erode special status, use of NIA against leaders, shifting of detenues and political prisoners outside J&K must make everyone realise the importance of elected representatives in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued to KNS, Yawar highlighting the role of United Jihad Council in the resolution of Kashmir conflict, as accepted by Government of India from time to time and particularly in negotiations held in the year 2000 between the representatives of UJC and Government of India, stressed upon the UJC leadership to play a positive role in the peaceful negotiated settlement of the Kashmir conflict.

Yawar further stated that J&K National Conference has always been a votary of the involvement of all sections of society in the conflict resolution process and will take every step for involvement of UJC in conflict resolution process in near future which is likely to start after formation of the new government after the elections. (KNS)