Srinagar: Expressing satisfaction over the
renewed progress on Indo-Pak talks, Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah on Tuesday linked the downsizing of security personnel
with the improvement in situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
"I hope no security force person is seen on the
streets or roads but situation should improve fast in the
state," Omar said while interacting with several delegations
of civil society here.
The chief minister said with the improving situation,
government has removed bunkers from city and the process will
continue.
Omar reiterated the fact that fundamental issue of
Jammu and Kashmir is of a political nature and requires a
political solution.
He said that he conveyed the same in presence of Prime
Minister when the train was inaugurated in Anantnag and also
repeated the same in Assembly.
Union Home Minister P Chidambaram told the Parliament
that accession of J&K with India is unique and need unique
solution also, the chief minister said.
The civil society has to play an important role in
preventing the repeat of summer protests which badly affected
economy of the Kashmir Valley during the past three years, he
said.
"Civil society has important role to play to ensure
congenial atmosphere during ensuing summer so that lakhs of
people associated with tourism, trade and allied activities
are not deprived of their livelihood," he said.
It is surprising that those separatists who do not
feel shy in talking to parliament members are not ready to
talk to Centre-appointed Interlocutors, who have made it clear
that they are ready to listen to anybody on any issue, Omar
said.
The chief minister expressed his satisfaction on
renewed progress on the Indo-Pak talks after Mumbai episode
and said that the renewal of dialogue process is very
significant.
Omar said 62-year-long problem cannot be solved in
shortest possible time but he acknowledged that Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh is keen and serious in his determination in
improving relationship with Pakistan.
While referring to stoppage of passports to the kiths
and kins of militants, the Chief Minister said he has issued
the directions to CID department that clearance of passports
shall not be stopped in case anybody`s relative is involved
in the militancy.
"Since there is huge back log of 20-years, priority
will be given for Hajj pilgrims," he said.
PTI
