The Hindu : National : Include all in talks, says Omar Abdullah

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Friday, Sep 09, 2005

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National

Include all in talks, says Omar Abdullah

Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR: The opposition National Conference president, Omar Abdullah, has called for widening the scope of dialogue on Kashmir to include all the separatist leaders as also the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir.

On Thursday, he said the issue should be discussed in Kashmir only and not outside. Addressing an impressive rally, organised to commemorate the NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah's 23rd death anniversary, he said the recent talks between New Delhi and the moderate faction of the Hurriyat lacked focus on main issues. "I wonder about the issues they have been talking — human rights, releasing of detenus. Where is the political agenda in the talks?" The Hurriyat Conference leaders made thousands of people die for their "slogan of Azadi." Has anybody among them talked about the demand of "azadi" before the Prime Minister, he asked. If yes, what was the response, they should tell the people. The NC president reiterated that his party's demand for greater autonomy was the only solution to the problem.

"The fundamental difference between the Hurriyat and the NC is that they got thousands of people killed by giving guns in the hands of youth and we pursued a political struggle," the NC chief said amidst applause from supporters. "Earlier they (Hurriyat leaders) came empty handed from Pakistan and now from India," Mr. Abdullah claimed.

Stressing on the importance of involving elected representatives of the State in the talks, the NC leader said that talking only to a chosen few separatist leaders would not do.

"We welcome the talks but we should know the agenda of talks. Talks should not be held for the sake of talks."

The NC president said the coalition government led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed had broken all records of human rights abuses during its three year rule.

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