The Hindu : National : Solution must address State's concerns: Mufti

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Sunday, Apr 29, 2007
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Solution must address State's concerns: Mufti

Special Correspondent

Mufti Sayeed

AISHMUQAM (ANANTNAG): The former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) founder, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, on Saturday emphasised that any solution to the Kashmir issue must not only respect the dignity and aspirations of the people, but also afford adequate safeguards to the political and economic interests of the State.

"People of Jammu & Kashmir are the ultimate arbitrators of State's interests and they have to be given the rights and privileges a democratic set-up guarantees them," he told a public meeting here. He said the emerging positive scenario heading towards reconciliation and a resolution of the problem must now be complemented with adequate and evident relief measures on the ground. "The congregations and deliberations have to translate into action, the sooner the better," he said.

Mr. Sayeed said the Government of India must speed up the internal confidence building process including reduction of troops and revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and strengthen and empower the legitimate people's institutions in the State. He said these measures should be followed up with initiatives like devising a joint institutional mechanism by involving legislators from both sides of the State.

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