Breaking his long silence on the prevailing political situation in Jammu & Kashmir, former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday asked India and Pakistan to initiate dialogue for the resolution of Kashmir issue. He said the Kashmiris were the worst sufferers of the hostility between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking to reporters after convening a meeting of Opposition parties here, Abdullah said the State Government must call a joint session of the Assembly to discuss prevailing situation in Kashmir.
He said that on August 22, a delegation of all opposition parties from J&K called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who assured that political dialogue would be initiated with all stakeholders including the separatists. “It is surprising that more than two months have passed and Delhi is yet to make any breakthrough,” he said.
Abdullah said the prevailing situation in the State was alarming and there was a need to constructively find a lasting solution to the political issue in Kashmir. He stressed need for a consensus within the Opposition parties to work towards an effective resolution of the issue to bring the State out of turmoil and instability. Condemning the wave of indiscriminate arrests and mass repression of civilians, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said this approach would further alienate the youth and add to the anger and resentment on the ground.
“Since the Prime Minister has accepted the need for dialogue to find a lasting solution to the political issue, it is imperative that the Central Government initiates talks with stakeholders within the State and also resumes a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir Issue. The PDP-BJP Alliance – in its ‘Agenda of the Alliance’ has promised a dialogue between New Delhi and stakeholders of different opinions and they cannot escape their responsibility to initiate a political process”, Abdullah said.
The former Union Minister condemned the State Government’s decision to foist examinations on students in spite of the fact that they haven’t been able to complete their prescribed curriculum due to the situation in the State. “The Government should not torment the students but look at their position with sensitivity”, he said.
Demanding immediate release of Hurriyat Conference leaders he said the State Government should facilitate a meaningful and credible political dialogue between Hurriyat Conference and the Central Government. “Thousands of young boys have been arrested based on vindictiveness and retribution and the State Government should order their release to create a conducive and reconciliatory atmosphere in the State”, he said.
“It is also extremely tragic that standing crops and animal fodder is being destroyed in the hinterland to persecute the common masses. Houses are being ransacked and property destroyed. This is only adding to the alienation and is taking us farther from peace and stability. Our Tourism Industry stands devastated and that too has affected hundreds and thousands of families in the State”, he said.The meeting was attended by JKPCC Chief Ghulam Ahmed Mir, Senior CPI (M) leader MY Tarigami, DPN President Ghulam Hassan Mir, PDF Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen and several NC leaders.