Date:18/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/18/stories/2008081860351200.htm

National

Engage both parties, Omar urges Centre

Special Correspondent

“I’ll quit from Parliament if unbridled force is used against agitators”

EXPLAINING HIS STAND: National Conference president Omar Abdullah addressing a press conference at his Gupkar residence in Srinagar on Sunday. - PHOTO: PTI/ S. IRFAN

SRINAGAR: National Conference president Omar Abdullah on Sunday urged the Centre to hold talks with the Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti in Jammu and with the Co-ordination Committee in Kashmir.

Expressing concern over the situation, Mr. Abdullah said both parties should be brought to the same table, bypassing vested interests. He warned that the situation was so grave that maintaining the unity of the State was difficult. “I cannot even imagine the consequences of such a disaster.” He said it was the economic blockade which led to this situation. “By resorting to road blockades, they have conveyed us that we are their slaves … We are on the edge of the cliff in J&K and I hope that the stakeholders will opt for a step backward … People have a right to express their anger, but I appeal them to avoid any step that will derail or damage the peace process,” he said.

“If the situation continues the way it is and if unbridled use of force by police is used against agitators as in Kashmir, I will have no option but to resign from Parliament and I will do it,” Mr. Abdullah said.

Mr. Abdullah said there was nothing outlandish in the demands that “voices of reason” within the Hurriyat were making. Most of these demands were almost the same as those recommended by various working groups. However, he suggested that taking another procession to the LoC for opening the road might actually delay its opening by India and Pakistan.