April 28, 2007
National Conference for Easing Travel Restrictions Across LoC
Srinagar
National Conference (NC), the main opposition party in Jammu and
Kashmir, Saturday favored further easing of travel restrictions
between two Kashmirs across the Line of Control (LoC).
Former chief minister and NC patron Farooq Abdullah addressing a
rally here said: "I want the travel between the two parts of the
state to be eased on the pattern of the European Union without any
restrictions."
Farooq Abdullah also remarked that Saturday's rally marked the
beginning of NC's election campaign.
"Elections are likely to be held later this year or in 2008 when
these are otherwise due. It is going to be difficult for us, but we
will face them," he said.
Once an unrelenting Pakistan basher, the former chief minister in
his speech advocated friendship with Pakistan.
"I want friendship with Pakistan, not Kashmir becoming a part of
it," he said.
The NC patron asked Kashmiri separatist leaders to come forward for
the constitution of a common platform across political divide.
"That is the only way we can dictate terms to both India and
Pakistan. As long as we continue to remain divided nobody is going
to take us seriously," he said.
NC president and former union state minister, Omar Abdullah also
addressed the rally, which was attended by thousands of his
supporters bussed from different parts of the Valley in party
vehicles.
"We are ready for the elections as the guns have given Kashmir
nothing but graveyards. Dialogue and reconciliation are the only way
out of the present situation," Omar said.
Taking a dig at the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) Omar
said, "PDP's self-rule slogan has a different meaning in Srinagar
and Delhi. They (PDP) are deceiving the people. Even the
Muzaffarabad bus service has been an eyewash. How many people have
actually undertaken this travel?" he argued.
Omar Abdullah said the centre must engage the separatist leaders and
the armed groups in an unconditional dialogue on the pattern of
Nagaland parleys between the centre and the Naga insurgents.
It was the first political rally at this venue after May 21 last
year when suicide guerrillas attacked the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi
Azad's public rally here killing nine persons and wounding 32.
A ten-minute delay in Azad's scheduled arrival at the venue last
year saved his life.
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