1. Home
2. Front Page

Not bloodshed, but dialogue only way forward: Mehbooba

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 6/18/2017 1:58:23 AM

Slams NC, Cong for rigging 1987 assembly polls, giving rise to militancy

SRINAGAR, Jun 17: Chief minister Mehbooba Muti today said not violence but dialogue is the only way forward to take Kashmir out of the bloodshed and solve the issue.
Speaking during an obituary reference in the legislative assembly, she said, denial of democratic rights in the past particularly the rigging of 1987 assembly elections is the root cause of the 27 year long turmoil and death and destruction in the state. “In 1987, Sallah-u-Din wanted to be part of this assembly but elections were rigged. He is giving directions now from Pakistan. Yasin Malik and the like too went to Pakistan after 1987 rigged polls,” she said
Mehbooba said it was due to the efforts of PDP that dialogue was held at various levels in the past even as National Conference at that time was vehemently opposing such a process. “The then chief minister of National Conference was threatening to throw separatists into the river Jehlum and get them killed as the jails were overcrowded. The then chief minister raised a banner of revolt when the then prime minister I K Gujral advocated talks with separatists,” she said.
She said it was incorrect to say that centre or start government did not make any efforts for talks. “Prime minister Modi Ji made several efforts. He went to Pakistan, but Pathankot attack took place. Later more attacks occurred,” the chief minister said.
She added that Modi took the bold decision by visiting Pakistan. “I respect the former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh a lot. He treats me like his daughter. He too wanted to go to Pakistan but could not. He wanted to see his home there also. But Modi ji took the bold step but his efforts were sabotaged by Pakistan,” Mehbooba added.
“I as PDP president invited separatists for talks with all parties parliamentary delegation last year. I was using the PDP letter pad but basically I was the chief minister. Later our leaders Sita Ram Yechury and Sharad Yadav went to meet separatist leaders. We were hoping a breakthrough of some kind. But the gates were closed for them,” she said.
The chief minister said that whatever happened has happened, but “we must not lose hope in dialogue.” “If you bring more and more fighters, nothing is going to change. Only death and destruction will be there. Only talks can bring a positive change,” she said.
Mehbooba said the roots of the present situation lay in the fact that democracy in the past was not allowed to flourish and dissent was throttled.
Chief minister said it was a matter of satisfaction that the constituency for dialogue and reconciliation in the State is expanding like never before. “I am happy to see Shafi sahib (of National Conference) demanding for dialogue and ceasefire. This is unlike the past when I demanded conducting dialogue with separatists, the then chief minister threatened to throw them in Jhelum,” she said. Similarly, she said, when she raised the same demand before the then Prime Minister, I K Gujral at Qazigund, the then Chief Minister said he would revolt if talks are held.
Mehbooba Mufti said she was satisfied to note that people have changed opinions and the option of dialogue is getting greater acceptability. She said despite the two countries having fought four wars over it, Jammu and Kashmir continues to bleed and that is why dialogue with all stakeholders in the State has been prioritised in the Agenda of Alliance of the present government.
The chief minister said that the present state of uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir has its roots in muzzling of dissent as a result of which many people who wanted to join the mainstream politics were forced to choose otherwise. Had the democratic exercises like 1987 election been conducted fairly and voices of dissent given the respect they deserved we would not have seen the terrible phases the State has been passing through, she added.
About the allegation of state terrorism by opposition, she said, “In the past when there was a crackdown, people used to flee from there. Today a 14 year old boy reaches the encounter site with a stone.”
On the idea behind convening the special session of the legislature over GST, the chief minister said her government believes in empowering this House and respecting the voices of dissent which unfortunately have been muzzled in the past. She said the aim is to allay fears and misunderstandings among people on this issue. She said this is for the first time in the legislative history of the State that wider consultations were held and a special session of the House was convened to decide whether or not to extend the law to the State.
Paying rich tributes to the leaders who passed away in the intervening period, the chief minister said those were the people who worked tirelessly for the welfare of people and society. She described late G C Saxena as a seasoned administrator who contributed to the state with his rich expertise and experience.
Mehbooba Mufti said late Ali Mohammad Naik worked till his last breath for his people which showed his commitment and resolve for the public life. She said the late leader would always bless the young legislators with his words of wisdom.
The chief minister described late S. Rangeel Singh as a decent human being for whom public service was in the genes. She said the late leader was a living example of harmony and brotherhood in Jammu. She also paid glowing tributes to Syed Nizamuddin, Rishi Kumar Koushal and Shanti Devi.
Strongly condemning the dastardly killing of six policemen at Thajiwara, Achabal, Mehbooba Mufti paid rich tributes to the policemen and civilians who were killed in various incidents of violence yesterday.
Later, the House stood in silence for two minutes to pay respects to the departed leaders.