Srinagar, July 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that Kashmir is not an internal problem of India but a political issue between the country and neighboring Pakistan.
“It (Kashmir) is not an internal issue of India. It is a political issue between two countries (India and Pakistan) and unless they sit and talk to solve it politically, it will continue to remain there,” Omar said addressing party workers on the 12th death anniversary of his grandmother, Madr-e-Meharban Begum Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, at her mausoleum at Hazratbal here.
Omar said Jammu and Kashmir was not an issue of development and money. Kashmir, he said, was a political issue having both internal and external dimensions which needed to be addressed.
About the ongoing talks between India and Pakistan, Omar said dialogue was the only way to solve issues between the two countries.
“But time has come to make dialogue process result-oriented. If talks are held for the sake of talks then it is of no use,” Omar said.
He said the beginning could be made by resolving “small issues.” “We are aware that the bigger issues cannot be settled in just a few meetings but smaller issues can be addressed like strengthening of cross-LoC trade by converting its barter status into normal trading pattern, allowing hassle free travel across LoC, construction of Tulbul navigation project and resolution of Sir-Creek,” Omar said.
In reaction to the recent statement by Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani that “in the garb of rehabilitating Kashmir Pandits Government of India was planning to create Israeli type settlements in Kashmir by settling outsiders,” Omar said: “There is not even an iota of truth in this.”
Omar said Jammu and Kashmir enjoys special status and nobody would be allowed to dilute it.
Omar dared Geelani to talk about “non-state subjects being settled” in other part of Kashmir across LoC. “He (Geelani) is an elderly leader. Why did not he ask authorities from Pakistan at New Delhi during a meeting recently that where from are they settling people in that part of Kashmir? Non-Kashmiris are allowed to settle there. They gifted away its one part to China,” Omar said.

TAKES ON PDP:
Omar accused People Democratic Party of “double standards, and misleading people.”
“Those who say I diluted the position of Chief Minister, I ask them why did not they talk about AFSPA revocation, withdrawal of troops, self rule, double currency and resolution of Kashmir when they were in power. They feared losing the chair but I am the Chief Minister who told Prime Minister that Kashmir was not an issue about development and money,” Omar said.
However, Omar was quick to thank the Government of India for ‘continuous financial support to J&K.’
“We provided the real healing touch to people. We allowed youth who were stuck across LoC to return, not with guns, but with their families. During the PDP regime, the relatives and family members of the militants were denied travel documents. But we ensured they enjoy all rights.”
He said his Government removed 40 bunkers from the city which were ‘set up by those belonging to ink and pot party.’
“They allowed beautification of bunkers. They set up five star bunkers. We will ensure that they are packed off from here without any star,” Omar said.

ON BDC POLLS AND DEVELOPMENT:
Omar said the polls for setting up the Block Development Councils would be held in coming few months. He said annually Rs 10000 crore are spent by the government on development works in Kashmir and in next two years the spending would be increased.
He talked about range of steps taken by the state government to ensure “transparency in governance and taking the state on path of development.”
National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah was not present on the occasion. However, senior National Conference leaders, ministers and legislators attended the ceremony. Many NC leaders including Abdul Rahim Rather, Ali Muhammad Sagar, Mustafa Kamal, Dr Mehboob Beg and others spoke on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Omar paid tributes to his grandmother and highlighted her contribution for the development of weaker sections, women and children at a function at Miskeen Bagh Women & Children Welfare Institute founded by Madr-e-Meharban Begum Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.
Omar said she was founder of Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, Red Cross, Women & Children Welfare Institutions and projects aimed at welfare of poorer sections of the society.
Senior NC ministers including Minister for Forests, Mian Altaf Ahmad, and Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana were present on the occasion. The Vice-Chairperson, Madr-e-Meherban Trust, Suraya Mattoo also spoke on the occasion.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST