Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Aug 5: Former Union Law Minister, prominent lawyer and head of the New Delhi-based Kashmir Committee, Ram Jethmalani, today stressed for revoking of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and other laws that give sweeping powers to the armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jethmalani said this during his meetings with Chairman of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Omar Farooq and senior Hurriyat leader Shabir Shah here today. He assured these leaders that Kashmir Committee will build public opinion against the AFSPA and suggested all party meet in New Delhi where political parties from all shades of opinion will put forward their view point for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue. “I hope some solution will come out”, he added.
While speaking to media at Shabir Shah’s residence, he said that Jammu and Kashmir is a complex issue. “I have come here to create friendly atmosphere and good will. I am going back with a greater hope”, he told reporters.
Accompanied by R K Grower, Madhu Kishore and Manu Sharma, Jethmalani met Mirwaiz this morning and discussed forthcoming Indo-Pak talks, stalled dialogue process between Centre and separatists, LoC trade, recent killings in Kashmir and AFSPA.
Mirwaiz assured full cooperation to Kashmir Committee for its efforts in the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue.
Mirwaiz while welcoming the Indo-Pak talks process stressed that people of Jammu and Kashmir should be included in the process. He also stressed for Jammu and Kashmir specific Confidence Building Measures (CBMS) like easing cross LoC travel, trade and opening of more LoC routes.
Later in the afternoon, Jethmalani called on Shabir Ahmad Shah at his residence. During the meeting Shah stressed for resumption of stalled dialogue process between centre and separatist. Shah held Government of India responsible for blocking the institution of dialogue.
Shah stressed for the formation of a Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir and said that the separatist leadership wants to move forward. Jethmalani assured him that he will meet Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for the formation of Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir.
The separatist leaders Nayeem Khan, Zaffar Akbhar Bhat and others informed Jethmalani about the recent situation in Kashmir. Nayeem Khan raised questions about the fate of interlocutors report.
Madhu Kishore also spoke during the meeting at Shah’s residence. She praised Army for their role in welfare schemes and education in Kashmir. Absolving Army of human rights violations, she blamed local police and State Government for it.
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