Political parties in J&K welcome Prez's speech

[RISING SUN]

Political parties in J&K welcome Prez's speech
Political parties across the spectrum in Jammu and Kashmir today welcomed President Pranab Mukherjee's speech, saying they were hopeful that steps will be initiated by the Centre and the state government to address the grievances of people of the state.

"It was a welcome speech. When a person no less than the President of the country admits that there are grievances, it indicates that the grievances of the people are genuine," ruling National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq told PTI.

Sadiq said an exercise needs to be carried out to build an opinion on how to address these grievances, which will lead to restoration of peace not only in Jammu and Kashmir but in the entire sub-continent.

Speaking at the 18th convocation of the Kashmir University, Mukherjee had said yesterday that, "Many important issues need deft handling and speedy resolution."

Reaching out to people who have suffered decades of violence, Mukherjee had candidly acknowledged that they have grievances.

Sadiq said the "grievances of people of the state started cropping up as the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir was eroded and the accord between Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Jawahar Lal Nehru was violated. For us, restoration of autonomy and strengthening the special status of the state is the way to address these grievances".

NC's coalition partner Congress said Mukherjee's speech was a direct and unambiguous message to youth of the state.

"It was a good, direct and unambiguous message from the President that youth of the state should participate in broader world of opportunities that India presents," JKPCC chief Saifudin Soz said.

Soz said the President simultaneously said grievances of the people can be straightened through dialogue and "it is the duty of Government of India to respond to it positively".

Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also welcomed the President's speech but called for steps, both by the state and the Centre, that will give people a sense that the Indo-Pak dialogue process is aimed at resolution of Kashmir issue.

"It is a welcome declaration and we hope that its impact is felt on the ground, leading to end of repression against the youth of the state. The cases against youth on charges of stone-pelting, which run into thousands, should be withdrawn," PDP spokesperson Nayeem Akhtar said.

He said the President's message should also reach the state government so that people can get some relief from the "oppressive measures in place".

CPI(M) state secretary MY Tarigami said the recognition of grievances by the President of the country calls for steps by the Centre and the state government to address these grievances through a dialogue process.

"The focus of the president on the youth of the state is a recognition of the problems faced by them," Tarigami said.

He said the President's speech laid emphasis that youth of Jammu and Kashmir had an important role to play in restoration of peace in the region.
Political parties in J&K welcome Prez's speech - India - DNA

 

[RISING SUN]

Pranab Mukherjee reaches out to Kashmiri youth
Reaching out to the youth of Kashmir on his first visit to Srinagar, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said no problem is resolved by violence and the healing process must be nurtured with compassion and patience.

His visit to the strife-torn Vally also saw a demonstration led by independent MLA Sheikh Abdul Rasheed aka Engineer Rasheed demanding clemency for parliament house attack convict Afzal Guru.

“No problem is ever resolved by violence. It only aggravates the pain and the hurt on every side. The healing process must be nurtured with love, compassion and patience,” Mukherjee said while addressing the 18th convocation of the University of Kashmir.

In his address, the President reached out to the restive youth by touching different subjects ranging from ill-effects of violence to a process of healing to the character building in the strife-torn Kashmir.

“I am aware that there are grievances. Many important issues need deft handling and speedy resolution. The government of India and the state government are determined and duty bound to ensure that every Kashmiri lives with dignity having equal rights and equal opportunities,” he said.

Mukherjee said institutions of higher education, with their emphasis on sound value systems and character building, can play an effective role in developing a greater sense of responsibility and a rational approach to all issues.

“Let J&K lead the way in the building of a new future for India. Let it set an example to the rest of India and the world by showing how the entire region can be transformed into a zone of peace, stability and prosperity,” he said.

Meanwhile, a group of people led by Engineer Rasheed staged a protest at the historic Lal Chowk demanding clemency for Afzal Guru. “It was a symbolic protest to draw the attention of the President towards Guru’s mercy petition which is pending before him. I had submitted a memorandum to him during his canvassing for presidential pollsabout Afzal Guru Clemency.I hope good sense will prevail and they will listen to the people of Kashmir”, Rasheed said.
Pranab Mukherjee reaches out to Kashmiri youth - India - DNA