Qazigund (Kulgam), May 17: Welcoming the recent statements of separatists on governance issues, Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development, Ali Muhammad Sagar, Thursday said the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah was ready to step down if the separatist leaders are willing to become a part of the mainstream and contest polls.
“It is really heartening to see separatists talking about development and governance issues. We welcome this change of heart and will take their criticism positively,” Sagar told media persons on the sidelines of a National Conference rally in YK Pora area here.
He said Omar Abdullah was ready to step down if separatists decide to come into mainstream. Sagar said development cannot remain hostage to the resolution of Kashmir issue. “Though the political solution of Kashmir is a prerequisite for overall peace and progress but at the same time we have to address the day to day problems of the common people,” he said.
Sagar also appreciated the statement of Muslim Conference chairman, Prof Abdul Gani Bhat. “Bhat Sahab has rightly pointed out that political change was imperative to find amicable solution of the Kashmir issue,” he said.
Taking a dig at the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for what he called launching a negative campaign against the government and National Conference (NC), Sagar said; “The party has always survived on deceit, propaganda and negative politics.”
He blamed PDP patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed for the eruption of militancy in the state. “It was he (Mufti) who appointed Jagmohan as the governor of the state and orchestrated the genocide of Kashmiris,” Sagar said.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Minister for Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo and Member Legislative Council (MLC), Bashir Ahmad Veeray.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 IST