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Azad for speedy implementation of Working Groups’ reports

	April 30, 2007

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has sought speedy implementation of the recommendations of the four working groups which, he hoped, would usher in an era of peace and development through re-building, reconstruction and restoration.



The reports of the working groups were adopted by all major political parties, except for a BJP dissent note.



People’s Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said the working groups had covered a substantial ground. Their recommendations, when implemented, would make a positive impact on the international dimensions of the problem. However, for a final and amicable settlement of the issue, it is imperative that the external dimensions are also addressed through a sustained and result-oriented dialogue with Pakistan.



Hoping for fair implementation of the working groups’ recommendations, M.Y. Tarigami of the CPI(M) said it should not, however, mean overlooking the broader issues of the problem. It was important to open more central universities and technical institutes in the state.





Opening more routes to PoK



The working group on strengthening relations across the Line of Control has favoured better trade, simplification of travel procedures and opening up of more routes to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It has suggested inclusion of an additional category which wants to visit PoK for religious and tourist purposes and for medical aid.



The working group has recommended that Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) be made the basis for granting permission to travel across the LoC.



Headed by former diplomat M.K. Rasgotra, the working group has recommended that applications for travel permits be accepted and disposed of at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. It wants more routes opened including Kargil-Skardu, Jammu-Sialkot, Turtuk-Khapulu, Chammb Jorian to Mirpur, Gurez-Astoor-Gilgit, Titwal-Chilhan (across Neelam Valley) and Jhangar-Mirpu-Kotli (the route will bifurcate at LoC).



The working group is of the unanimous view that the initiative to open new routes be taken by Indian authorities regardless of the response from PoK and Pakistan authorities.





Azad faces criticism over Geelani rally



There were uncomfortable queries at the RTC about hardline Hurriyat leader Ali Shah Geelani’s show of strength in Srinagar during the previous week. Not only Kashmiri pandit leaders and BJP, there was tough talking on the issue by the National Conference also.



National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah and the Peoples Democratic Front MLA Usman Majid did some tough talking on the Geelani issue.



Abdullah, the sources said, questioned the motive behind “favourable” treatment being accorded to the separatist leader. “Are we Indians or Pakistanis,” he reportedly asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.



A defiant Usman wondered as to why the state government allowed Geelani to hold such a show where objectionable slogans were raised against Singh and Chief Minister.



Ghulam Nabi Azad apart from unleashing anti-India propaganda. Usman was a known supporter of Kuka Parray who had played a significant role in turning the tide against the militants in the 1990s before becoming their target.



Objecting to the casual treatment given to the KP centric issues such as rehabilitation and their return to the Valley, Panun Kashmir leaders refused to be part of the joint statement. They objected to the absence of any “concrete proposals” for the displaced community’s welfare.



Notwithstanding their ire, the conference had certain surprises for them as well. The KP’s long-standing demand for representation in the J&K Assembly found favour from unexpected quarters.



Former Deputy Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party leader Muzzafar Hussain Beig suggested that possibility of amending the Constitution to reserve 3-4 seats for the community, he explored.



Significantly, the specialised group on strengthening relations across the Line of Control, headed by former Foreign Secretary M K Rasgotra, has recommended opening of 10 new points on the LOC for more people-to-people contacts.



This includes the one between Kargil and Skardu. Although Pakistani establishment had earlier been touchy about opening up the Northern Areas, recently President Pervez Musharraf had expressed his willingness to open this road link.



The Rasgotra committee has also recommended that students from Pak Occupied Kashmir should be permitted to avail educational facilities in this part of J&K. Converting Kashmir into a free trade zone, is another suggestion mooted by the group.





NC leaders condemn Geelani



National Conference leaders Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah lashed out at hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani at a public rally in Srinagar on April 28. Virtually launching the party’s campaign for the assembly elections due next year, they held Geelani responsible for the unending bloodshed in Kashmir.



Dr. Farooq Abdullah announced that with this meeting the campaign for the Assembly elections had begun. “Be ready for a big tempest,” he told the cheering crowd. He said that Kashmir issue was not too easy to be resolved soon. “It is a complex problem.”



Asking separatists, particularly Geelani, to join electoral politics, he said, “He is ailing. I wish him recovery but he should make efforts to get all the separatists united and they should fight the elections, which is the only democratic way to agitate. If we win the people’s support we can dictate to Delhi and Islamabad.” He ruled out supporting Pakistan.



He later told reporters that it was difficult to withdraw troops but “they should move out of orchards, land and schools.”



Omar Abdullah accused Geelani of being responsible for the bloodshed in Kashmir and putting guns in the hands of innocent youth. “They gave their wards a good career and gun to the poor youth. They will have to account for each drop of innocent blood shed in Kashmir in last 17 years,” the junior Abdullah said referring to Geelani.



Omar also came down on his arch rival, PDP, and said, “they will also be asked as to what they did for the people in four years. Where is the employment for each house? Where is self rule, peace with dignity”?



The NC president said that when his party brought a resolution in the Assembly about return of youth from Pakistan, the PDP opposed it. He wondered how Delhi wanted to resolve the Kashmir issue. “They should open up dialogue with militants on the pattern of Nagaland and Manipur.”