JK's challenges need dialogue, urges Pakistan to help
‘Give peace a chance, I will facilitate talks'
Zewan (Srinagar), Oct 21: Stating that the complex challenges confronting Jammu and Kashmir can be resolved only through dialogue, Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti today called for creating a congenial atmosphere within the State and the region for the peaceful resolution of the issues.
“Whosoever is ready to reject the violence and help in restoring peace should be engaged in dialogue to end the uncertainties plaguing Jammu and Kashmir for the past six decades,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the Police Commemoration Day function at Armed Police Complex here today.
“Mufti Mohammad Sayeed joined hands with BJP to form a Government in the State not for the sake of power, but with the larger objective of resolving the political, economic and developmental issues concerning J&K and that is why it has been made clear in PDP-BJP Agenda of Alliance that the Government of India should start a dialogue process with all shades of political opinion in J&K, including the separatists.
Referring to the visit of the All Party Delegation, the Chief Minister said that the separatists seem to have missed the opportunity at starting a dialogue process, by spurning the parleys and not facilitating the solution.
“Give peace a chance and I will again plead with the leadership in New Delhi to talk to all shades of the political opinion in J&K, including the separatists, to end the decades' old uncertainty in the region,” she added.
Mehbooba said Pakistan's cooperation in maintaining peace in Jammu and Kashmir is also necessary. “Even Pakistan has to help us as we both have to live together. Pakistan must understand we are neighbors and Indians, Pakistanis are the same people,” she said.
Referring to complaints of disproportionate use of force by the police and security forces during the past few months, the Chief Minister that all such incidents of wrong-doing will be inquired and investigated to ascertain the facts following which action as warranted shall be taken.
Ms Mehbooba said her government wants to ban the use of pellet guns as a crowd control measure and sought cooperation of police saying they should “tolerate” and refrain from using such weapons as the protests will not continue forever.
“If we save a youth's eyes or arms from pellet guns, then I think it will be your biggest sacrifice. Because this (protests) will not continue forever, it is temporary. But I need your cooperation,” she said.
Paying rich tributes to the martyred police personnel, the Chief Minister said the state will always remember their sacrifices rendered for upholding the law, safety and security of the people.
The Chief Minister said that she is proud of the state police and wants it to be one of the elitist and the best in the country. She also made certain announcements on the occasion like increase in selection grade quota from 25% to 50%, KPS cadre review and career progression on lines of KAS and correction in pay anomalies.
Immediately upon her arrival, a Roll of Honour was presented in memory of those policemen who died in the past one year. She also laid floral wreath at the Martyrs' Memorial.
Earlier, DGP, K Rajendra Kumar read out the names of police personnel across the country including the ones from J&K Police and from CRPF and BSF, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty in the past one year.
