Autonomy will usher in peace in J&K: National Conference

Criticising parties opposing restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir as recommended by the working group, the ruling National Conference today said they should realise that the move would pave the way for peace in the insurgency-hit state.
    
"Those who oppose this step should understand that restoration of autonomy will be implemented in all the three regions of the state and will facilitate restoration of peace", NC general secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad said while launching the party's membership drive here.
    
The BJP, National Panthers Party and other Jammu-based outfits have rejected the report of the fifth working group headed by justice (retd) Sagir Ahmad recommending autonomy for the state.
    
These parties even sponsored a strike in Jammu region recently over the issue.
    
Claiming that Jammu and Kashmir had not "merged" with India and was fully autonomous on matters other than defence, external affairs and telecommunications, Ahmad said his party would stand like a rock to protect the "seperate individuality and secular identity of the state".