Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said that the political process on Jammu and Kashmir is necessary at this time and hoped that the stakeholders shall take opportunity by joining the dialogue process Speaking to reporters here, Mehbooba said that she is happy that the centre has started the dialogue which is necessity of the time. Click here to watch video “The situation in Kashmir is not well and people are fed up with the violence. So it is the right time to announce the dialogue process. If the Centre has taken a step, we including other stakeholders should also move a step ahead in cashing in on the opportunity and enter into the dialogue process,” she added.
The Chief Minister said that political process is necessary beside the security measures. “The representative announced by the Centre is good human being and a man of credibility. He was involved in the dialogue process in North-East for a long time,” she said.
Mehbooba welcomed the decision of the Central Government to start a sustained dialogue on Kashmir and the appointment of an interlocutor in this regard.
The Chief Minister said that she has maintained it all along that sustained dialogue with all stakeholders in the State is the only way forward to get Jammu and Kashmir out of the vicious cycle of uncertainty, acrimony and violence. She said the people of the State have been the worst victims of this uncertainty spread over decades and a forward movement in political process only can put balms on their wounds.
Mehbooba said she is hopeful that such a bold initiative by the Central Government would boost the confidence of the people of the State in peaceful means of addressing difficult situations. “Today’s announcement goes in line with the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s announcement of August 15 this year in which he had pledged dialogue and reconciliation to reach out to the people of the State”, she said and expressed the hope that today’s initiative would bring the same positive dividends to State and the country as has happened in the past.
The Chief Minister also hoped that the stakeholders in the State, sensing the need for such an engagement, would take full benefit of this opportunity to get Jammu & Kashmir out of these uncertainties and contribute positively in taking the dialogue process to its logical conclusion.
Mehbooba reiterated the commitment and resolve of her Government to work for dialogue, reconciliation and public outreach in Jammu and Kashmir for winning the hearts and minds of people and healing the wounds which the past has afflicted upon its people.
Earlier in a series of tweets soon after the announcement made by Home Minister about sustained dialogue with stakeholders in Kashmir, Mehbooba said it is the only way to go forward.
“Welcome the initiative of Union Government, appointing an interlocutor for leading a sustained dialogue with stakeholders in Jammu & Kashmir (sic),” Mehbooba said.
“This dialogue initiative is in line with P.M @narendramodi’s 15th August speech na goli se, na gaali se, Kashmir ki samasya suljhegi gale lagaane se (sic),” she said referring to the Prime Minister’s remarks on Kashmir in his Independence Day speech.
Meanwhile, the State Cabinet that met here today under the chairpersonship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti welcomed appointment of Dineshwar Sharma as the Representative of Govt of India to initiate a sustained dialogue with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Cabinet observed that this was a long pending demand which will pave the way for a meaningful and sustained dialogue with various stakeholders and different sections of the society.
The Cabinet observed that the dialogue is the only way forward to address the issues in the larger interest of peace and stability in the State.
The Cabinet further observed that the dialogue initiative is in line with the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech that embracing the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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