The Hindu : National : ‘Opportunity to speed up J&K reconciliation’

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Wednesday, Nov 07, 2007
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‘Opportunity to speed up J&K reconciliation’

Staff Reporter

Facilitate parties to take control of State’s affairs

Strengthen democratic and civil society institutions
Such measures will provide space to forces of peace across border

Jammu: Terming the developments in Pakistan cause for concern, the People’s Democratic Party patron and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Tuesday said New Delhi could send a positive message across, taking steps in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen the forces of peace in the subcontinent.

Political forces

Without diluting its policy of not interfering in the internal affairs of the neighbours, New Delhi could seize on the situation by taking politically courageous steps towards the peaceful and ultimate settlement of the Kashmir issue, he told a public meeting here.

“Facilitating the political forces to take full control of the State’s affairs by strengthening and consolidating the democratic and civil society institutions would have a visible impact on the fast-changing situation in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Such measures would also provide space to the forces of peace across the border, which had been piloting a peaceful and amicable settlement of the Kashmir issue.

The emerging situation in Pakistan, instead of decelerating peace efforts, might provide an opportunity for New Delhi to accelerate both the reconciliation and resolution process within the State in the larger interest of peace and stability in the region. Such measures should also send a signal to those who had taken to the gun.

“They must be made to realise that the gun has lost its impact and power to achieve political objectives, and dialogue is the only recourse,” the Mufti said.

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