Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 25: Seeking grant of autonomy as guaranteed by the only Indian Constitution, the ruling National Conference (NC) said sustained India and Pakistan dialogue would help in resolution of the Kashmir issue.
A delegation of the NC, a major partner in the Coalition Government in the state, led by Member of Parliament (MP) Mehboob Beg, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here this evening and presented a memorandum.
However, the NC did not mention anything about withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), a demand repeatedly reiterated by NC leaders in the recent past.
The party sought early consideration of the Autonomy Resolution passed by the State Legislature with two-third majority and urged the Prime Minister to announce measures in this regard.
The demands in the memorandum included-interallia-implementation of the Working Groups and the Group of Interlocutors, Indo-Pak Talks, dialogue with all shades of opinion in the state, trade and movement across the LoC, opening of more routes, revision of special package for Kashmiri migrants, special package for PoK Refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971, package for earth quake affected areas, rehabilitation and return of misguided Kashmir youth from across the LoC and special recruitment package for the youth of the state in Defence, Para-military Forces, Central Government Departments, Banks and other Central Government Undertakings.
The delegation also demanded reservation for the Paharis without affecting the reservation available to the Scheduled Tribe and any other community.
It sought special package for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the people living between the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) and the Defence fence from Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch to Gurez.
The NC urged the Prime Minister to consider the reports of various Working Groups as also the one submitted by the Interlocutors report.
Stating that NC has always remained a votary of cordial Indo-Pak relations, the memorandum appealed the Prime Minister to enter into a sustained and meaningful dialogue with Pakistan for peace and stability in the sub-continent.
It also stated that the resolution of Kashmir issue required a permanent solution and for achieving it, there was a need to engage all stake holders, irrespective of shade of opinion they represent because for sustainable lasting solution.
On LoC trade, the party urged Dr Singh to initiate measures for strengthening trade across the LoC and replace barter trade with the financial transaction to make it more transparent, healthier and aggressive as also to make the movement of the people across the LoC less cumbersome. It also emphasised opening of Jammu-Silakote, Kargil-Skardu, Nowshera-Changar, Sagra ‘Tatapani Mendla and Titwal route’.
The Prime Minister was urged to consider favourably the enhancement of package of Kashmiri Migrants already recommended by the State government.
The party also sought a special package for relief and rehabilitation of J&K earth quake victims in affected areas.
The NC demanded that the process of rehabilitation and return of misguided Kashmiri youth who have gone across the LoC and have not indulged in any subversive activities.
Further, it demanded transfer of power projects to the state, particularly Dulhasti as per the Rangarajan Committee report as also other power projects, setting up of Rail coach factory in J&K, handing over of the International Airport, Srinagar to the Civil authorities and shifting of Defence Airbase to the Awantipora Airbase and allowing of direct flights from Srinagar to Jeddah.
The party also urged initiation of work on Singpora Vailo Tunnel, Doda-Kapran, Sudhmahadev-Marmat, Pir Ke Gali on the Mughal road, Sadhna Pass and Razdan Pass, Gulabgarh-Narbal-Shopian.
It urged the expedition of work at Zojila Tunnel, upgradation and extension of Kagril Airport and special rebate on air fare for Leh- Srinagar (to and fro) for giving fillip to tourist traffic. It also demanded that the airfare should be controlled and regulated especially during the tourism season.
The party sought resolution of the Shahpur Kandi Barrage dispute between J&K and Punjab and requested for establishment of 1000 Mega Watt Thermal Power plant in the state. (UNI)
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