The Hindu : National : Centre must fulfil promises of earlier regimes: Farooq

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 23, 2004

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National

Centre must fulfil promises of earlier regimes: Farooq

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR, MAY 22. The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Farooq Abdullah, and the National Conference president, Omar Abdullah, today expressed the hope that the new Government at the Centre would fulfil the "unkept promises" and implement the schemes proposed by the Central governments during the last 57 years.

In a statement felicitating Manmohan Singh on becoming the Prime Minister, they said the sincerity and honesty of Dr. Singh and the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, would be reflected in their keenness in addressing the Kashmir problem and the efforts they make for peace and prosperity in the State.

The party believed that the "unkept promises" were the main reason for the turmoil in the State as the unrest and uncertainty created by them provided a fertile ground for militancy. A new era of peace and prosperity could be ushered in if internal autonomy was granted to the State.

A lasting solution to the Kashmir problem, keeping in mind the wishes and aspirations of the people, is necessary for peace and prosperity in South Asia, they said.

While expressing his desire to have closer relations with all neighbouring countries, the Prime Minister should know that it would be possible only when the Kashmir problem was addressed honestly and sincerely.

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