Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 27: National Conference president and former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday welcomed the unofficial outreach by a delegation of noted public figures and personalities from New Delhi and said he hopes this gesture would in turn pave way for the initiation of official talks to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.
Addressing party functionaries and activists during an organizational function at Party Headquarters, Dr Farooq Abdullah impressed upon the Central Government to engage with stakeholders of diverse ideological views to end the ensuing political stalemate in the State.
“This is a welcome gesture of outreach and it’s a positive development. It is also a good sign that Hurriyat leaders warmly welcomed the delegation and held discussions with them. While this is an unofficial initiative, we hope this paves way for a credible, meaningful and formal dialogue between New Delhi and various stakeholders in the State”, Dr Abdullah said during the meeting.
He further said that National Conference was a strong votary of sustained political engagement between New Delhi and various stakeholders in Kashmir, including Hurriyat leaders and would welcome any forward movement in this direction. “Every small step is welcome and a step in the right direction. This complex political issue will require a sustained, sensitive and structured engagement that works its way towards an effective resolution. I am glad Hurriyat leaders decided to meet members of the delegation and hope this will set the tone for the future and I hope the broad-based feedback gathered in meetings with other organizations and individuals is also conveyed to the relevant quarters”, Farooq Abdullah added.
The NC president said the continued political stalemate and unrest in Kashmir, if left unaddressed, could take the State back to the precipice of violence and turmoil. “We have seen the consequences of uncertainty and turmoil and the people of Jammu and Kashmir have paid enormous human, economic and social costs. They have rendered innumerable sacrifices and all political organizations – irrespective of their ideological differences – are obligated to find a sustainable solution to the political issue”, he further said.
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