Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah on Sunday asked separatist leaders to join in a
"positive manner" the process for finding a lasting solution
to political issues in the state.
"Under the changed political scenario in the
sub-continent, you have to render your role in a positive
manner and be associated with the strategy of peaceful
resolution of issues," Omar, referring to the separatists,
said in his Independence Day message.
Asserting that his government would continue its efforts
to facilitate consistent internal and external dialogue
processes, he said endeavours made by the government during
the last two-and-a-half years had yielded encouraging results.
"Talks between India and Pakistan have resumed and the
internal dialogue process is also moving ahead," he said
appealing the separatist leaders to be part of the process of
finding solution to political issues of Jammu and Kashmir
transcending the policy of confrontation.
Omar expressed confidence that the ties between India
and Pakistan would improve further and all issues confronting
the two nations would be addressed in a peaceful and amicable
atmosphere.
"My government is endeavouring to help strengthening
Jammu and Kashmir-centric CBMs (confidence building measures)
put in place by the two countries. We are vehemently
advocating more CBMs and new initiatives for wider and closer
cross border relationship," he said.
The Chief Minister said his government is stressing on
converting present cross-LoC barter trade into a real business
supported by banking and communication facilities.
He said that as promised, his government moved ahead to
address development and political issues simultaneously.
"I have stated as Chief Minister and before taking over
the chair of power that development issues cannot wait
political resolution of political problems. We have to deal
with the two aspects separately and concurrently," he said.
PTI
