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Time for resolution of the Kashmir issue : Mufti |
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Former Chief Minister and PDP patron Mufti Mohd. Sayeed has in the meantime, said that the time was ripe for India to seek resolution of the Kashmir problem, with infiltration and militancy dipping to low levels. Speaking in New Delhi on Friday, April 6, the Mufti said, “there is a welcome change in the overall atmosphere in India and Pakistan. People have shown faith in democratic institutions and are willing to work under the constitutional framework. It is a golden opportunity for conflict resolution. People in Jammu and Kashmir are stake-holders in the peace process and the resolution of the problem has to be all inclusive.”
In his opinion, earlier moves towards the resolution of the Kashmir problem failed because they were only Kashmir-centric. He said the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions also have to be kept in mind.
Making out a case for making Kashmir a “free economic zone”, he said the SAARC fraternity could start an experiment in the state of freeing it from customs duty on movement of goods across the border. “Kashmiris can go over to Muzaffarabad, Gilgit and Skardu without passports and visas. People are now demanding a bus service
to Skardu from Kargil. These are positive and welcome signs.”
Admitting that managing the Congress-PDP coalition in Jammu and Kashmir was a “war of nerves,” he hoped that it would last full term and the Assembly polls would be held as per schedule after one and a half years.
Congress leader gunned down
Terrorists shot dead G. Mohd. Kakroo, the acting president of the Congress in Baramulla district on April 1. The assassination came even as the Congress and the PDP coalition partners are having differences over withdrawal of troops deployed in the state.
Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad flew into Baramulla to pay his respects to his slain worker. Talking to the people there, Azad said the killing is an eye-opener for the people who are seeking troop cut. He said this is the second incident in the last three days and insurgents have conveyed what they intend.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has described his recent meeting with the Pakistan Prime Minister in New Delhi as successful. Addressing a gathering at Jama Masjid, Srinagar, on April 5, he reiterated that aspirations and wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be given priority during the Indo-Pak dialogue process.
The Mirwaiz said that while the Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had shown “required flexibility” and had come forward with solid proposals, India still “seemed to be the captive of old rigid mindset because of which the dialogue process is moving at a snail’s pace.”
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