Srinagar, June 11: The ruling National Conference on Friday asked the separatist leaders and militant groups to come forward to hold dialogue for permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue.
 “Separatists and militant leaders should shun rigidity and come forward to hold dialogue for permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue rather than turning down the dialogue offers again and again.” the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Sagar said while addressing a function organised at Nawa-e-Subh party headquarters to commemorate the 28th death anniversary of its veteran leader Mirza Afzal Beg and 6th death anniversary of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Shah.
 “Prime Minister Manmohan Singh talks offer has been once again out rightly rejected by the Hurriyat and militant leaders,” he added. 
 He hailed the “proactive role” role of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in resolving the Kashmir issue.
 Sagar said the gun was introduced in the state to “terrorize NC workers and eliminate the party” from political arena. “Kashmir issue cannot be resolved till guns fall silent,” he added.
 Castigating the opposition Peoples Democratic Party for indulging in “mere rhetoric”,   he said during PDP’s regime 125 inquires were ordered but no action was taken against anyone.
 Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister Abdur Rahim Rather said party’s political manifesto - autonomy – had not come from the sky. “Autonomy is our demand right since 1949. Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah along with Mirza Afzal Beg and Ghulam Mohuiddin Shah were engaged in talks with India about the relationship between JK and New Delhi.”
 He said NC’s autonomy proposal was acknowledged by world community, adding that there can’t be any better solution to Kashmir issue other than it. “Autonomy was eroded when Sheikh sahib was jailed. At present, it is the best solution to resolve Kashmir.”
 Senior NC leader and MLA Handwara, Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan appealed New Delhi to punish the two army officers involved in Machil fake encounter case.
 Meanwhile, son of Mirza Afzal Beg and the parliament member from South Kashmir Dr Mehboob Beg appealed the people to actively participate in the census. “Census is a common cause of the state. To maintain the Muslim majority status of the state we have to participate in the census,” Dr Beg said while  addressing a gathering at Sarnal Islamabad.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 11 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST