SRINAGAR: Terming the visit of BJP leader Yashwant Sinha-led civil society delegation to the Valley as a positive development, NC president Farooq Abdullah today said his party is a strong votary of sustained political engagement between New Delhi and various stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue.
Abdullah, however, warned that the continued political stalemate and unrest in the Valley, if left unaddressed, could take Jammu and Kashmir back to the precipice of violence and turmoil.
“NC is 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…This complex political issue will require a sustained, sensitive and structured engagement that works its way towards an effective resolution.
“I’m 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 organisations and individuals is also conveyed to relevant quarters,” Abdullah said. The former Chief Minister welcomed the “unofficial outreach” by the delegation 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 organisational function at party headquarters here, Abdullah impressed upon the Centre 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 is 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,” he said.
The National Conference President said the continued political stalemate 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 organisations irrespective of their ideological differences are obligated to find a sustainable solution to the political issue,” he said.