The Hindu : Clarify scope of mission: Omar

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 05, 2003

Other States

Other States - Jammu & Kashmir

Clarify scope of mission: Omar

By Our Staff Reporter

Jammu March 4. The National Conference president, Omar Abdullah, today asked the Centre to clarify the scope of the proposed talks between its interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir, N. N. Vohra, and different sections of people of the State.

Speaking to The Hindu here, he said "the Central Government always said that the talks will have to be within the broad parameters of the Constitution. But now, it is being said that the talks are unconditional. We, as a party, would like the Central and the State Government to tell us who they are talking to. Mr. Vohra's is not a new initiative... The earlier initiatives failed as they did not have a specific agenda."

The National Conference did not challenge Kashmir's accession to India and "we believe in the concept of autonomy which is well within the limits of the Constitution. But people were not prepared to talk on autonomy and our proposal was thrown out of the window by the Central Government. But now, even the Prime Minister has spoken about unconditional talks on Kashmir which means that parties such as the Hurriyat, which challenges Kashmir's accession, can also be part of the dialogue process. This contradiction needs to be explained," Mr. Abdullah said.

Clarifying his stand further, he said " we believe in two concepts — we want a political settlement with the Central Government as per the pre-1953 status. And as for the regions within the State, we are for regional autonomy but not for dividing any entity within the State on the basis of religion. We remain committed to the principles of secularism laid down by our founder, Sheikh Abdullah." On Pakistan, he said "Kashmir has an external dimension and talks with Pakistan have to be held. A military solution will not work and dialogue is the only way we can solve the problems between the two countries."

Criticising the Kashmir Government of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, he said "it has not kept its promises. The Special Operations Group continues to function in the State. It is old wine in a new bottle.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

Stories in this Section

Mufti elected to Council

Mufti sees role for J&K Govt. in Vohra mission

Clarify scope of mission: Omar