It seems to be a good beginning, one that holds promise for creating congenial and accommodative political environs in the state for evolving a broader consensus amongst political leaders professing diverse political beliefs for addressing the problems confronting the people.  Senior National Conference leader and Parliamentarian Dr. Mehboob Beg, on Sunday hailed Chairman APHC (G) Syed Ali Shah Geelani for his statement delinking US citizens from the producer of the blasphemous film that has hurt sentiments of Muslims all over the world, and deploring and condemning killings of some Panchayat members.
 Geelani’s statement that all Americans cannot be blamed for the actions of some irresponsible persons, denouncing some cleric asking Americans’ to leave Kashmir, has been widely appreciated in the state and outside. Statements such as made by the cleric apparently enjoying official patronage at a time when state is impressing upon American and European governments to withdraw the travel advisory to their citizens against visiting Kashmir is condemnable. 
Equally political leaders of all shades have appreciated his statement that no one should be killed for his political beliefs. Notwithstanding the political differences the National Conference parliamentarian called upon political leaders to join hands and work for dignified and peaceful resolution of ‘Kashmir issue’ through dialogue, without our people-letting die. He reiterated that the National Conference was fighting for restoration of 1952 Delhi Agreement but his party would welcome any other solution that is acceptable to the people. Truth is that over past many decades there has been a huge human loss in the state and common man has immensely suffered. And there is need for concerted effort by all Kashmir leaders for preventing any further human suffering.  The broader consensus amongst political parties for working in tandem for ending uncertainty in the state as suggested by Dr. Beg, undoubtedly is need of the hour. However, the fact of matter is that now for past few years the voices of dissent have largely been suppressed.  To achieve the noble objective as suggested by Dr. Beg, there is need for creating a democratic temperament and atmosphere in the state.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 17 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST