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Amarnath board: JK calls all-party meet

By Mukhtar Ahmad In Srinagar
June 25, 2008 20:36 IST

Breaking his silence on allotment of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad announced halting all constructions on the allotted land and convening of an all party meeting to "re-examine the sensitive issue and reach a consensus on it".

"Even separatist leaders are welcome to join the all-party meet to be held soon," Azad said, while addressing a hurriedly convened press conference amidst total shut-down and violent demonstrations across the valley.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

coalition partner patron, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed did not, however, agree with the chief minister's announcement.

"This is no solution. The only option is revocation of the order."

Talking to mediapersons at the swearing-in-ceremony of new governor, N N Vohra, the former chief minister said, "The all parties meet should have in-fact been held prior to issuance of the land allotment order."

Replying to queries, Azad said, "We want to build a consensus. We don't want to hurt anyone's sentiments. The land allotment order is a sensitive issue and has to dealt with carefully so that it doesn't hurt sensitivities of anyone." 

Mukhtar Ahmad In Srinagar

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