The Hindu : National : Gun no solution, says Baig

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 27, 2006

National

National

Gun no solution, says Baig

Shujaat Bukhari

No place for foreign militants, he says and appeals to local militants to shun violence

SRINAGAR : Making a distinction between foreign and indigenous militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir, State Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig on Thursday said there was no place for foreign terrorists in Kashmir.He appealed to local militants to "see the writing on the wall" and shun the path of violence.

Barring an encounter on the outskirts of Srinagar, in which one militant was killed, Republic day celebrations here passed off peacefully amid unprecedented security.

Unfurling the Tricolour and taking the salute at the parade in Bakhshi Stadium here, Mr Baig said the peace process between India and Pakistan was progressing with a desirefor restoration of peace.Dismissing the gun as no solution to any problem, he asked militants to take note of the ground realities, like the Hurriyat leaders who were engaged in talks with Delhi.

Lauding the people's resolve to fight the terror, he said "people are fed up with violence and want to have sense of security."

Referring to the October 8 quake, he said it provided an opportunity for both sides to come closer. "We suffered a heavy loss but the work done by the Army, Government and NGO's was laudable," he said.

Militant killed

"A militant attacked a naka party at Pantha Chowk last night and he was killed," Kashmir DIG Farooq Ahmed said adding that he was heading for Srinagar.

A strike call by separatists coupled by intense security measures brought life in Srinagar and other parts to a grinding halt. Shops downed shutters and transport was completely off the road.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail