Srinagar: Autonomy is the only solution for a permanent settlement of the Kashmir issue, Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani has said.
"National Conference has always favoured autonomy which is the only solution for settling the Kashmir issue forever," Wani, a close confidante of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said at a function yesterday.
The minister, who also holds the portfolio of Housing and Urban Development, was addressing a gathering of people in south Kashmir`s Kulgam district where he announced Rs 3.75 crore water supply scheme for the district`s Frisal locality and 50 hand pumps for the area.
Wani said there was a need to solve all the issues between India and Pakistan, including Kashmir, through the dialogue process.
He said the government, during the six years of its administration, will ensure equitable development of all the three regions of the state.
The Minister said though the development process got affected due to the summer unrest last year, the government ensured that the development process continues and academic year of the students was not wasted.
PTI
