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Involve separatists in dialogue, PDP urges Centre

By Our Staff Reporter

Jammu Aug. 5. The People's Democratic Party has asked the Central Government to involve the separatists in the process of dialogue for the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

At a one-day conference last evening chaired by the party president, Mehbooba Mufti, it was noted with satisfaction that the initiatives taken by the PDP-Congress Government had not only changed the scenario in the State but also brought India and Pakistan nearer. The party wanted the Centre to rope in the separatists too.

The Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Finance Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, the Tourism Minister, Ghulam Hassan Mir, the Agriculture Minister, Abdul Aziz Zargar, the Minister of State for R&B, Abdul Rehman Veeri, and the Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Abdul Gaffar Sofi, and several legislators were present at the conference.

The message sent by the people during the last elections, had transcended all physical and mental barriers to create a "new atmosphere of peace". The hand of friendship extended to Pakistan by the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, from the soil of Kashmir and Islamabad's positive response coupled with a yearning of the people for peace with dignity had brightened the hope for lasting peace, the party said.

Appealing to security forces and police to prevent human rights violations, the PDP said the "healing touch" policy would show better results if the security forces adopt a humane approach towards the people.

Not even one human rights abuse should take place as per the party's commitment to the people, it said.The PDP welcomed the Government's decision to punish those involved in the Pathribal DNA fudging case and demanded that it be pursued to its logical end. It noted with satisfaction that the Government had taken some bold decisions to tackle the growing unemployment.

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