Srinagar, Apr 17: The Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Forum, a constituent of the ruling coalition in the state, today asked Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to announce a unilateral ceasefire in the state to create a conducive atmosphere for Centre's interlocutor N N Vohra's mission next week.
Welcoming Vajpayee's visit to Kashmir, PDF chairman Sofi
Ghulam Mohiuddin, who is also a state minister, said the
Prime Minister should consider declaring a unilateral
ceasefire in the state on the eve of his visit.
Sofi, in a statement issued after a meeting of the party
ministers and MLAs, hoped that this gesture on the part of the
Prime Minister is likely to create a conducive atmosphere for
Vohra's dialogue with various groups, including militants.
Vohra will be arriving here on April 21 to hold talks
with a cross-section of political leaders in Kashmir,
including the separatists.
The PDF, which came into being as a post electoral
alliance after last year's assembly polls, also demanded that
Vajpayee should announce an economic package for the state,
including a special recruitment drive for unemployed youth in
Central government organisations.
The forum noted with satisfaction the decision of the
Prime Minister to visit the valley after last year's free and
fair elections, which he promised from the red fort on the
Independence Day.
Bureau Report
