Omar Abdullah asks J&K separatist be part of dialogue process

Asking the separatists to become a part of the talks process by utilising the institution of interlocutors, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah today said they should make use of the present conducive atmosphere of dialogue in a positive manner to address political issues.

"Main ummeed karta hoon ki aap jald-az-jald muzaqarat ka hissa ban kar riyaasat kay pur-aman aur khushgawar mustaqbil ke zamin banein (I hope that you will become the part of dialogue and contribute for better future of the State)," Omar told the separatists.

In an address to the people on the occasion of Republic Day, Omar called for utilising the present conducive atmosphere of dialogue in a positive manner to address political issues of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The institution of interlocutors created by the Union government to initiate interaction with all shades of opinion should be utilised earnestly to find a solution to the issues," he said while appealing to the separatists to rise to the occasion and play their role in bringing about peace and tranquillity in the state.

The chief minister reminded the people of the loss of precious lives and property during the period of militancy and the five months of summer unrest last year and said that violence has never solved any problem.

"Zinda aur bashaoor komain apnay masa-ill hamesha pur-aman taur par hal karne kay khahan rehti hain (The brave and lively societies resolve their issues amicably in a peaceful atmosphere)," he said and called for joint efforts for peace and welfare of the state.

Omar recalled that during electioneering for the 2008 assembly polls he had sought the cooperation and vote from people for development and progress of the State and soon after taking over as chief minister had utilised every opportunity to highlight the resolution of political issues.

"It was me who categorically raised the political issue of Jammu and Kashmir before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at a huge public rally and stressed on addressing these issues politically. Not only this I utilised other important forums to call for focusing on political issues of the state in a conducive and political atmosphere," he said.

"While I thanked the Union Government for the liberal financial assistance on development front, I emphasised the need for sustained and meaningful dialogue to address political issues of the state," he said, adding the unabated efforts by his government in this direction have started yielding positive results.

The appointment of interlocutors to discuss political issues of Jammu and Kashmir and suggest measures to their resolution is now a reality, he noted.

Omar said that last two years of coalition government have created a "shining" example of working in tandem and oneness.

"We have addressed issues openly and jointly and made decisions unitedly. Our political opponents tried their best to circulate stories about the working of the coalition but people in the state witnessed the unity in the coalition partners to run the state with high standards," he said.

Omar said his endeavour was to improve the political and developmental scenario besides transformation of a society which has witnessed 20 years of disturbance and 60 years of political upheaval.

He also reiterated his resolve to seek equitable development of all regions of J&K.

Finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather said, "We pray for the success of the foreign secretary level talks between India and Pakistan, as Jammu and Kashmir is directly affected by the relations between the two countries."

During his Republic Day address at Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar, Rather said the recent statements of Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan were a "good omen" for the relations between the two countries.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has expressed willingness to hold talks with Islamabad on all issues while Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said war is not an option for the two countries. These are good signs," he said.

Referring to the separatists, the minister said they should hold talks with the interlocutors appointed by the Centre for interacting with a cross section of the society for finding a permanent political solution.

"Government of India has taken an initiative by appointing interlocutors. They (separatists) should talk to them as only dialogue can resolve the issues as has been proved the world over," he said.