Srinagar: Political parties across the spectrum in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday welcomed President Pranab Mukherjee’s speech, saying they were hopeful that steps will be initiated by the Centre and the state government to address the grievances of people of the state.
“It was a welcome speech. When a person no less than the President of the country admits that there are grievances, it indicates that the grievances of the people are genuine,” ruling National Conference spokesman Tanvir Sadiq told PTI.
Sadiq said an exercise needs to be carried out to build an opinion on how to address these grievances, which will lead to restoration of peace not only in Jammu and Kashmir but in the entire sub-continent. Speaking at the 18th convocation of the Kashmir University, Mukherjee had said yesterday that, “Many important issues need deft handling and speedy resolution.”
Reaching out to people who have suffered decades of violence, Mukherjee had candidly acknowledged that they have grievances. Sadiq said the “grievances of people of the state started cropping up as the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir was eroded and the accord between Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Jawahar Lal Nehru was violated. For us, restoration of autonomy and strengthening the special status of the state is the way to address these grievances”.
NC’s coalition partner Congress said Mukherjee’s speech was a direct and unambiguous message to youth of the state.
“It was a good, direct and unambiguous message from the President that youth of the state should participate in broader world of opportunities that India presents,” JKPCC chief Saifudin Soz said.
Soz said the President simultaneously said grievances of the people can be straightened through dialogue and “it is the duty of Government of India to respond to it positively”.
Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also welcomed the President’s speech but called for steps, both by the state and the Centre, that will give people a sense that the Indo-Pak dialogue process is aimed at resolution of Kashmir issue. (PTI)