Indo-Pak dialogue going on at snail’s pace: Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 23: Regretting that process of dialogue and peace between India and Pakistan was going on at snail’s pace, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) patron and former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today stressed that dialogue between the two countries should not be related to events and it should be result oriented so that the elements inimical to peace are sidelined and the process of reconciliation is taken to logical conclusion.
Addressing the civil society of Jammu in an interactive meet on the topic “J&K towards tranquility”, Mufti Sayeed said, “the civil society in Pakistan has given encouraging response to the dialogue and reconciliation process. Even the military establishment in Pakistan has now realized that they have no other option but to strengthen relations with India”, adding “it is high time to avail this opportunity for a sustained Indo-Pakistan dialogue, which must focus on Kashmir apart from other issues between the two countries”.
“The dialogue process should not be related to the events but it should be a process driven and result oriented in order to sideline the elements inimical to peace and take the process of reconciliation to logical conclusion”, he maintained, adding in order to bring stability in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Government must involve all sections of society including all political parties of the country in a constructive and meaningful dialogue process for the peaceful and amicable settlement of the Kashmir issue.
Regretting that trust deficit between people of Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country was still prevailing, the PDP patron said, “the people of this State are not at the fault for this but it is the political leadership which has to be blamed for existing trust deficit”. He emphasized on the need of taking some concrete steps to remove apprehensions from both sides to establish lasting peace in the region.
About the trust deficit between different regions of the State, Mufti Sayeed said, “the main goal of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is to remove the trust deficit whether it is between regions of the State or between people of Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country”, adding “the failure of politicians to fulfill their commitments leads to trust deficit and during our short stint we proved how to treat all regions and sub-regions equally”.
“We would further facilitate the process of bridging this gap to ensure justice and equality to all regions and sub-regions of the State”, he said, adding “my aim is to bring hearts closer to each other. I want to give such a system to the people of Jammu and Kashmir where there will be no voice of discrimination”.
Claiming that during its short period the PDP proved that it wants to bring people of all regions and sub-regions together, Mufti Sayeed said, “before the formation of PDP-led Government in 2002, there were complaints of discrimination. We not only removed such discriminations but also ensured empowerment of different regions and sub-regions,” adding “it was during our tenure that the Hill Development Council of Leh received the much awaited powers as enshrined under the Act”.
“Our party would remove the walls of hatred among different regions and sub-regions of the State and establish regional harmony in the State”, he asserted, adding “we are committed to provide governance in most transparent manner and ensure empowerment of all the regions and sub-regions of the State”.
Throwing light on the Self-Rule document, the PDP patron said, “our vision has potential to address external and internal dimension of the Kashmir problem”, adding “our document is aimed at creating regional federalism to fulfill the wishes and aspirations of all regions and sub-regions of the State”.
Stating that Self-Rule document suggests making Jammu and Kashmir a free economic zone on the pattern of proposal in the South Asian Association of Regional Council (SAARC) to make South Asia as free economic zone on the pattern of European Union, Mufti Sayeed said, “Jammu and Kashmir should be made a testing ground for SAARC countries by easing visa restrictions and custom free trade among both parts of Kashmir. We want Jammu and Kashmir to become a model among the SAARC countries”.
Reiterating that aim of his party was not to grab the power but to restore dignity and honour of people, the PDP patron said, “my only desire is to make Jammu and Kashmir an Island of Peace. Since its formation PDP has been working to create an atmosphere of reconciliation and to restore a sense of security and fearlessness among the people”.
Responding to a question regarding LoC trade, former Chief Minister said, “we have always advocated that J&K specific Confidence Building Measures should get priority attention of both India and Pakistan”, adding “as far as expanding the trade and providing telephone and banking facilities, we are awaiting for the response of neighbouring country”.
About the West Pakistan refugees, Mufti Sayeed said, “this issue can be resolved only through consensus. I hope when Government of India take steps towards resolution of Kashmir issue, this issue would also be debated upon”.
In reply to a query regarding dilution of RTI Rules by the present Government, the former Chief Minister said, “we will start campaign on this issue and agitate both within and outside the Legislative Assembly”.
The interaction was organized by Kuljeet Singh Jamwal, who recently joined the People’s Democratic Party. Rangil Singh, former Minister and general secretary of PDP Mohammad Dilawar Mir also spoke on the occasion.

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