The Hindu : British envoy hails peace efforts in Jammu and Kashmir

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 26, 2004

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British envoy hails peace efforts in Jammu and Kashmir

By Shujaat Bukhari

— Photo: Nissar Ahmad

The Democratic Freedom Party chairman, Shabir Shah, welcomes the British High Commissioner, Sir Michael Arthur, at his residence in Rawalpora, Srinagar, on Thursday.

SRINAGAR, MARCH 25. The British High Commissioner in India, Sir Michael Arthur, has hailed the efforts of the coalition Government in Jammu and Kashmir bringing peace to the State as also New Delhi's initiative to enter into a dialogue process with the separatist political forces.

Sir Michael, now on a three-day visit to the State, hoped that the other groups would also join the process. He praised the efforts of the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led coalition Government to bring about peace in the State and its commitment to improve human rights, governance and economy in the State.

During his meeting with the Chief Minister on Wednnesday, Sir Michael discussed the latest political situation in the State.

The Mufti apprised him of the measures taken by his Government since it came to power in November 2002 to restore peace and usher in an era of normality and development. There was a "discernible change" in the security situation and a positive shift in the mindset of the people who wanted a complete halt to violence and bloodshed. The Chief Minister referred to the "healing touch" policy to address the alienation of the people and the psychological after-effects of the long spell of violence in J&K.

The Government took special care of the victims of militancy in terms of their rehabilitation.

He said people no longer let their normal life be affected by isolated incidents of violence and their determination to lead a normal life was firm.

Though incidents of violence had greatly come down, there was need to watch out for forces acting independently from across the border.

Sir Michael arrived in Srinagar today and met the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) chief, Shabir Ahmed Shah. He is scheduled to meet other leaders and also members of the Bar Association.

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