Islamabad (Anantnag), Oct 13: Expressing displeasure over the report submitted by New Delhi-appointed interlocutors, senior National Conference leader and parliamentarian, Ghulam Nabi Ratanpuri, today said that the recommendations put in the report has vindicated the stand of separatists.
 “The report of the interlocutors has proved right the approach of the separatists in refusing to meet them,” Ratanpuri told media persons during the sidelines of a function here.
 He said that interlocutors merely acted like employees of the central government only to buy time.
 “The interlocutors only raised hopes of the people but finally came out with nothing that could satisfy Kashmiris,” he said.
 Accusing New Delhi of failing to keep their promises with Kashmiris, Ratanpori said, “New Delhi’s non-serious approach with regard to solving the Kashmir problem was responsible for the armed uprising in the state,” he said.
 He said that accession of Jammu and Kashmir with India was temporary which was followed by disregard to many other accords signed between New Delhi and state government.
 “The non-seriousness of New Delhi in resolving the Kashmir issue is evident from the fact that sometimes they say ‘sky is the limit’ and invite for dialogue but when Kashmiris move forward for finding out the solution they shy away. Peace will continue to
elude South Asia unless the aspirations of Kashmiris are respected,” Ratanpuri said. 
Blaming Syed Ali Shah Geelani for ‘advocating violence,’ Ratanpuri said, “Geelani must abjure violence and join peace process for the dignified solution of Kashmir. Everybody including Geelani should realize that violence complicates the issue rather than addressing it. In 20 years it is Kashmiri Muslims who have suffered more than minorities and those advocating gun must accept this fact.”
 Senior NC leader and parliamentarian Dr. Mehboob Beg, speaking on the occasion, appealed all the mainstream and separatist parties to develop a consensus on certain important issues. “The water resources of Kashmir have been exploited by New Delhi and Islamabad by signing that infamous Indus Water Treaty (IWT). The mainstream as well as separatist parties should join hands and fight for the economic prosperity and welfare of the state.”
 Stating that people have right to protest peacefully, Beg said that the people who took to streets in last year’s agitation had no personal interests.
 “Though the protesting people have no personal gains and have the right to protest but at the same time we cannot let the education suffer. I don’t think there is a son of any separatist whose education suffered during the last years’ summer unrest,” Beg said.
 “Kashmir is a serious political issue and cannot be kept under the carpet. We cannot close our eyes but have to find the solution of this long pending issue,” Beg said.
 Beg also impressed upon throwing open all the historical routes leading to outside world including Kargil-Sakardu route, Suchetgarh-Sialkot route and other routes leading to China and Central Asia.
 Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir said that sustained peace was imperative for economic self reliance and prosperity.
 Others who spoke on the occasion included Minister for Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo, MLC Bashir Veeray, Vice-Chancellor Central University Wahid Qureshi and GOC 15 Corps SA Hassnain.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST