The Hindu : 'Time to remove mistrust between J&K regions'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Nov 04, 2002

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Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

'Time to remove mistrust between J&K regions'

By Luv Puri

The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, chairing a Cabinet meeting in Srinagar on Sunday. — Photo: Nissar Ahmad

Jammu Nov. 3. The Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, today said that he would try to be a "bridge" between Jammu and Kashmir to lay the foundation for healthy political relations between the two regions.

Mr. Sharma said the recent past had seen relations between Jammu and Kashmir sour and a lot of mistrust had been created by vested interests. It was time "we remove the misunderstanding and forget the bickering at the start of a new era for the State," he told The Hindu,

Asked about his priorities on assumption of office, he said: " I will see to it that no region of the state is discriminated against on any basis and this will remain my foremost priority". On whether all groups had adequate representation in the Cabinet, Mr. Sharma said the "full cabinet expansion" would take place after the House met in Jammu, and due share would be provided to all the ethnic groups. Further, independents, who constitute a large number in the Assembly, would also be given their due share in the Ministry.

Asked about the regional boards the Congress had promised in its election manifesto, he said the Government formed was a coalition one and hence the details had to be discussed with others.

He stressed the need for some kind of mechanism to ensure that there was a `balanced' development in all the three regions.

Later, addressing the media, Mr. Sharma said there would be no let-up in the fight against militancy and all possible measures would be taken to put an end to it.

Asked about the release of political prisoners, he said every case would be studied and the Cabinet would take a suitable decision after considering all the pros and cons.

Earlier, thousands thronged the airport to receive him. Mr. Sharma along with the Congress legislators were taken in a cavalcade to the party headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk, where he addressed a huge public rally. He thanked the people for their support to the Congress and assured them that it would fulfil its promises.

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