Srinagar, Aug 15: Asking separatists to get ready for talks, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday said neither the gun nor economic measures can resolve the Kashmir issues.
Addressing the Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium here, Omar said Kashmir is a political issue and needs to be addressed politically through dialogue process.
In an apparent reference to the separatists, Omar said they should get ready for talks as it was the only way to resolve the issues.
“Let us achieve through dialogue what you could not achieve with guns - a peaceful, prosperous Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Addressing separatists, he said; “Let you come forward and talk for achieving a breakthrough on table which gun could not deliver in 20 years.” He sought their contribution in seeking peace and prosperity for the State and its people.
“On this rostrum I once again underline the need of political addressing of this issue”, he said making earnest appeal to the leaders with different viewpoint (separatists) to get engaged in the dialogue process for the larger interest of the people and the State.
On the issue of recent group clashes at various places, Chief Minister said that religions preach amity and brotherhood. He said that certain elements in the society are bent upon to wedge apart the society and set it on fire. He said certain elements attempt to divide the people and disturb the peace and create tension in the society. He cautioned the people against the designs of such elements and asked them to foil their nefarious intends.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 15 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 15 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST