Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 23: Reiterating the party’s stand on the Autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir by describing it as core of the party’s political agenda and a way forward towards resolution of the political issue of the State, the National Conference today said continued Indo-Pak dialogue was imperative for lasting regional peace in the sub-constituent.
“Autonomy is imperative for upholding the political dignity as well as rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the party’s stand on this important agenda is loud and clear,” the National Conference observed in a resolution adopted at the party’s eight-hour long Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, held here today and presided over by NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah.
Besides NC working president Omar Abdullah and general secretary Ali Mohammed Sagar, the meeting was attended by other members of the CWC.
The CWC also stressed the need for continued dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying it is the only way forward towards restoration of sustained peace in the region. “The sustained dialogue can open window for all the problems between India and Pakistan, including issue regarding Jammu and Kashmir”, the CWC resolved in another resolution, reiterating that un-interrupted dialogue process should continue in the larger interests of the people of both the countries.
In yet another resolution, the CWC reiterated its principled stand to uphold the pluralistic and secular ethos of Jammu and Kashmir, especially since alleged divisive forces were hell-bent upon dividing the State on regional and religious lines. The party expressed grave concern over some recent incidents where in concerted efforts were made to polarize the State on communal and regional basis. “CWC firmly resolves its commitment to the integrity and unity of the State and shall continue to strive to protect secular, pluralistic and democratic ethos of the State”, the resolution added.
According to the NC chief spokesperson, CWC expressed deep anguish over the Handwara incidents and sought judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court Judge into the entire episode. “The victims should be adequately compensated and rehabilitated”, the CWC demanded while expressing solidarity with all those who lost their dear ones in the incidents. It sought severe punishment to the guilty.
Terming newly implemented National Food Security Act as anti-poor and anti people, the National Conference CWC took note of massive protests by people across the State against it and asked the Centre and the State Governments to take cognizance of the same. “The contradictory and confusing stand taken by the Coalition Government in this regard created confusion in minds of the people, which led to massive protests against NFSA”, the resolution said adding that the Act has caused hardships and sufferings to people across the State.
The CWC sought immediate rollback of the NFSA and demanded provision of ration to ration card holders on old schedule of 35 kilograms on the Census of 2011.
The NC Working Committee also expressed concern over the plight of 2014 flood sufferers and the lackadaisical attitude of both the Centre and the State Governments in providing relief to them. “Notwithstanding Rs 44,000 crore package recommended by the previous Government, only a trickle has come for the sufferers”, the CWC noted while urging the Centre to resolve the issue on immediate basis by way of rehabilitating the sufferers.
In the Working Committee meeting, a threadbare discussion was also held on proposed amendments in the Constitution of National Conference. Working paper regarding the amendments, was drafted by Abdul Rahim Rather and Mohd Yousf Taing.
In a resolution, the CWC expressed its deep sorrow over the demise of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed.
Prominent among those present in the CWC meeting included; Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal, Mohammed Shafi Uri, Abdul Rahim Rather, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah, Mubarak Gul, Sakina Itoo, Mohammed Yousf Taing, Aga Syed Roohullah, Dharam Veer Singh Oberoi, Vijay Bakaya, Sharief-ud-Din Shariq, Mir Saifullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Devender Singh Rana, Ram Paul, S Harbans Singh, Surjit Singh Slathia, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy, Choudhary Mohammed Shafi, Javed Rana, Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Bimla Luthra, Abdul Gani Malik and Lakshmi Dutta.
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