Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 20: Expressing concern over shelling on International Border and Line of Control, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana on Sunday called for substantive dialogue between the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan for bringing an end to the unfortunate situation that has colossally affected border dwellers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at a function, held in connection with the joining of prominent people of Mendhar in National Conference at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this evening, the Provincial President said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already taken up the issue with the Centre and stressed the need for addressing this issue urgently and on priority.
“Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharief should meet but not just for the sake of meeting only”, he said and elaborated that there has to be a productive and effective dialogue over the situation developing on borders. He said that Pakistan should be made to understand the necessity of respecting the decade old ceasefire agreement in the larger interest of peace in the sub-continent.
Mr Rana said the impact of the border shelling may not be felt as intensely in New Delhi or Islamabad as in Jammu and Kashmir that has been braving the brunt over decades. This situation, he said, is not in the interests of the two neighboring countries.
The Provincial President expressed his party’s solidarity with those who have suffered due to unprovoked shelling and assured them that they should not feel alone at this hour of crisis. He also expressed his anguish over the injuries caused to civilians in the Akhnoor sector due to firing.
Welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, Mr Rana hoped that will prove an asset in carrying forward the policies and programmes in nook and corner of their areas. He described National Conference as a movement, which has remained integral to the history of Jammu and Kashmir. “One way or the other, the people of the State have remained associated with the mass movement launched by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah decades ago for steering the state to peace and progress,” he said, adding National Conference continues to be a force to reckon with and this will be proved in immense degree during the ensuing elections.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Javed Rana called for united effort in mitigating the problems of the people, especially those living in far-off and remote areas. He urged the National Conference workers to continue to work towards this sphere of activity with renewed zeal and dedication.
Vice President Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Rattan Lal Gupta also addressed the gathering and welcomed the new entrants to the party.
Those who joined National Conference included Choudhry Mohammed Aftab Jat, Sarpanch and Block President, People’s Democratic Party, Jugal Block, Tahir Nawaz Quershi, Youth President PDP, Lal Hussain, Panch, Mohammed Rafiq Panch, Aftab Ahmed Panch, Mohammed Shabir Panch from Mendhar area and Mohammed Karamit Khan, Sarpanch Balakote, Nasir Khan, Majid Khan and Vakil Khan from Balakote area.
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