Shankaracharya for 'plebiscite' on both sides of Kashmir

Mathura (UP): Goverdhan Peethadhishwar Shankaracharya Adhokshjanand Devtirth on Sunday favoured "plebiscite" on both sides of the Kashmir for a "permanent solution" of the problem.

"A plebiscite under the supervision of United Nations representative and guarded by forces of United Nations should be held in both sides of the Kashmir," he said while talking to reporters in his Ashram here.

The Shankaracharya said while "referendum is a time consuming process", there should be dialogue even with separatists to "douse the present crisis".

"The government should not hesitate in talking with (separatist) Hurriyat for peace in Kashmir," he said.

Referring to his recent visit to Kashmir, Shankaracharya, said the Kashmiri people complained that their voice was being "crushed even though they want to stay in India".

He said it was the Constitutional responsibility of the government to listen to people and solve the genuine demands, even of a handicapped person.

"Further attempt to crush the agitation may not pay dividends as the government is morally bound to listen genuine problem of its people," he stated.

He termed the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's statement that only a handful of people were leading the agitation as baseless, saying "Had it been possible to crush the handful people by force, the curfew in Kashmir would not have lasted for 50 days".

The Shankaracharya said the government should continue dialogue with Pakistan.

"While the government should follow the policy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee regarding the dialogue with Pakistan, it should also talk to separatists," he suggested.

He said the government should understand the "difference" between terrorists and Kashmiri loyalists who are demonstrating on the roads.

"While terrorists should be dealt with severely, the problem of the loyalists should be heard and solved in order to prevent them from going to opposite camp," he said, adding the demonstrators in Kashmir were in pain as neither they are being heard nor is their economic problem, including mass unemployment solved, despites economic packages?given to Kashmir.

Kashmir remained in the grip of shutdowns and curfew for the 51st consecutive day today, and so far 68 persons, including two security personnel, have been killed in the wake of killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8.