Efforts on for political solution in Kashmir: Omar

BALWAL - Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that a political solution to the Kashmir crisis as per the “aspirations of the people” was being worked out.

“All-out efforts are on in this direction,” he said at a rally at Balwal, near Jammu, adding it was “part of the continuous efforts being made by my government”.

The chief minister outlined that how his government had been pursuing with central government that steps needed to be taken for the solution of Kashmir crisis. “The political solution and talks with Pakistan can yield results. And that has been our constant effort.”

Omar Abdullah had met Home Minister P.Chidambaram last Wednesday and is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this week to seek revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, shifting of troops from civilian areas and job opportunities for the unemployed youth in the state.

“The state government will continue to strive for an amicable political addressing of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the people. In order to remove the political tension once for all, it is necessary to settle issues through sustained dialogue channels,” he said.

“Unfortunately the ties between the two neighbours have not remained palatable for most of the period for various reasons,” he said and emphasised on bringing about necessary thaw in India-Pakistan relations for the larger public interest and lasting peace.

“Pakistan has been, is and will remain our neighbour and India has always played positive role in improving the relations between the two countries,” he said.

“We want Pakistan to be prosperous and peaceful,” Omar Abdullah said expressing the hope that Pakistan will also move forward positively in the peace process, fulfilling its promises and creating an atmosphere of trust to settle issues amicably.

“We wish to transform the bitterness in India-Pakistan relations into sweetness,” he added.