Kashmir not a part-time problem: Rahul Gandhi

KOLKATA - Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday told reporters that the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley is not a part-time problem, but a full-blown one.

Extending support to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Gandhi said: “Kashmir is a tough and sensitive job. Omar Abdullah is a youngster and doing a tough job. We must give Omar time and support. The Congress is supporting Omar. He is an elected leader of National Conference.”

“I will go to Jammu and Kashmir as my drive is to go to any part of India to bring the youth of Kashmir into the political system. It’s a full time responsibility to bring youngsters in politics. Bring Kashmiri youth into politics. Youth is a powerful idea,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, a cross section of leaders decided after an all-party meeting held in New Delhi on the Kashmir issue, to send an all-party delegation to find a solution to end the violence in the Kashmir Valley.

Though no consensus emerged on key issues that formed the agenda of the over five-hour-long marathon meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, political leaders expressed satisfaction with the tone and tenor of the deliberations.

Removal or amending the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be under consideration for now, as the leaders said that efforts to restore peace must be given a chance to succeed.

Senior National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, said: “We are not disappointed.”

He also stressed, “The Prime Minister praised Omar.”

Earlier the Central Government had issued an official statement that acknowledged a ‘governance-deficit’ in Jammu and Kashmir.

Reading out a statement issued at the end of the all-party meeting, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said:
“Leaders of various political parties who attended today’s meeting made valuable suggestions on ways and means to resolve the vexed issues that face us in Jammu and Kashmir.”

“They agreed that the Constitution of India provides ample scope to accommodate any legitimate political demand through dialogue, civil discourse and peaceful negotiations. The meeting resolved to send an all-party delegation to Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders agreed that the delegation should meet all sections of the people and gather all shades of opinion,” he added.

Chidambaram further said the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir would facilitate the visit of the all-party delegation.

“The Government will take into account the deliberations at today’s meeting while considering measures and initiatives to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The feedback received from the all-party delegation would form an important input into the Government’s evolving response on various issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh earlier on Wednesday said dialogue is the only route to lasting peace in the region.

He also stressed: “Meaningful dialogue can happen only in an atmosphere free from violence and confrontation. Discussions can take place only if we have calm and public order.

The Central and State Governments have already appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the youth, to eschew violence. I reiterate that appeal. We are ready for dialogue with anybody or any group that does not espouse or practice violence.”

“I was shocked and distressed to see young men and women- even children- joining the protests on the streets. While some of these protests may have been impulsive or spontaneous, it cannot be denied that some incidents were orchestrated by certain groups,” Dr Singh added.

The death toll from the violence in the Kashmir Valley has crossed the 90 mark in the last three months.

Clashes between stone-pelters and security forces have become a near-daily feature in the streets. (ANI)