Srinagar: Accusing separatists of adopting
double standards on dialogue for the resolution of Kashmir
issue, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday asked them to hold
talks with the Centre`s interlocutors, saying the panel is not
bound by redlines.
"I am surprised that the separatists can talk to
Parliamentarians, who have taken oath of Indian constitution
and treat Kashmir as an integral part of the country. What is
the harm in talking to the interlocutors, who have no
boundaries or redlines," Omar said addressing a public rally
at Pahalgam, 100 kms from here in south Kashmir`s Anantnag
district.
Omar said the separatists should hold talks with the
three interlocutors appointed by the Centre as their
recommendations go to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"I want to tell (hard line Hurriyat Conference leader
Syed Ali Shah) Geelani that these double standards (on
dialogue) will not work," he said.
The Centre appointed veteran journalist Dileep
Padgaonkar, academician Radha Kumar and former Information
Commissioner M M Ansari as interlocutors for Jammu and Kashmir
in October last year, following the summer unrest in the
Valley, to interact with all sections of the state for finding
a lasting solution to Kashmir issue.
Omar said the interlocutors have made a "good
beginning" and have changed the discourse of dialogue in the
state.
The Chief Minister, while talking to reporters,
responded to queries about the power crisis in Kashmir valley
and urged the people to use electricity honestly and
judiciously.
"People go to mosques to pray but when they return
home, they indulge in power theft. Consumers pay for one bulb
but use four. They can use as much as they want but they
should also pay accordingly," he said.
Apparently referring to the criticism of opposition
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Omar said no new power
projects were taken up between 2002 and 2008, when the
National Conference was in the opposition.
"Since coming to power, we have initiated some new
power projects in collaboration with NHPC. I do not claim that
all the power problems will be gone but during the term of my
government, these will be substantially reduced," he said.
On alleged infighting among party workers in Pahalgam,
the Chief Minister asked them to overcome their differences
and work for strengthening the party.
"We do not follow personalities in National Conference, we work under a flag," he added.
PTI
