Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Yawar Masoodi has requested the Muzaffarabad-based United Jihad Council (UJC) — an amalgam of militant organisations — to consider declaring ceasefire in Kashmir during the upcoming parliament and assembly elections.
The violence during elections adversely affects thedemocratic rights of people and thereby deprives them from effectiveparticipation in the electoral process, Masoodi, who is also constituencyincharge Pampore, said in a statement.
“It is time UJC realises the importance of democraticallyelected representatives in the Parliament and State Assembly and their role inthe resolution of Kashmir issue and should therefore take every step to ensurethat well meaning and true representatives of the people’s voice get electedand the first step in this direction will be to ensure a violence free electionin Kashmir with greater participation of the people,” said Masoodi.
He said the “unwarranted” ban on socio-religiousorganisations, application of constitutional provisions to erode specialstatus, use of NIA against leaders, shifting of detenues and politicalprisoners outside J&K must make everyone realise the importance of electedrepresentatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
While highlighting the role of United Jihad Council in theresolution of Kashmir conflict, as accepted by Government of India from time totime and particularly in negotiations held in the year 2000 between therepresentatives of UJC and Government of India, Masoodi stressed upon the UJCleadership to play a “positive role” in the peaceful negotiated settlement ofthe Kashmir conflict.
He said J&K National Conference has always been a votaryof the involvement of all sections of society in the conflict resolutionprocess and will take every step for involvement of UJC in conflict resolutionprocess in near future which is likely to start after formation of the newgovernment after the elections.