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Omar talks of autonomy

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR SEPT.18. The National Conference (NC) president, Omar Abdullah, has changed the direction of his election campaigning here.

Instead of talking about his party's achievements in the past six years, he chose to strike the autonomy chord.

He said the Centre had no option but to restore autonomy to the State.

Leading a procession of a number of boats in the Dal Lake, Mr. Abdullah, who is himself contesting from the Ganderbal segment, was content with the Centre initiating a dialogue with the NC Government on the issue. "It is a big leap forward,'' he said.

He clarified that the NC was not demanding anything outside the ambit of the Constitution.

The Centre, though late, has realised this. "If our Government is voted back to power, we will ensure that the dream and aspirations of the people come true,'' said the NC chief who is trying hard to counter the anti-incumbency in the elections.

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• India on the `right track'
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• Omar talks of autonomy

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