Omar backs Indo-Pak dialogue for lasting peace in JK

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday said that 'the fear of gun would be removed for ever when the basic political issues of the state are addressed and resolved amicably'.

"In this regard we are in favour of continuous dialogue between India and Pakistan", he said adding that 'the internal dialogue between the state and the Centre is also of significant importance'.

While addressing party workers in Poonch on Friday, the chief minister said that 'National Conference has always supported good Indo-Pak relations and political settlement of political issues in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere'.

 "I have repeatedly stated that the economic development cannot resolve and replace the political issues. Both have their significance and need to be addressed separately and in specific spectrums", he said assuring the people that he will 'continue his endeavours towards prosperity and permanent peace in the state and creating a tranquil and conducive atmosphere where gun will be totally irrelevant and absurd'.

Meanwhile the Justice (retired) H S Bedi commission probing the death of the prominent ruling NC activist Haji Mohammad Yusuf Friday disallowed the plea to summon Omar Abdullah for cross examination.

Advocate Mushtaq Ahmad Dar appearing for the family of late Haji Yusuf had requested the commission to allow the cross examination of 14 persons who had filed affidavits before the commission.

"The commission has declined to summon the chief minister, deputy home minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, political advisor of the chief minister, Devender Rana and some other officials as I had requested", Dar told mediapersons.

In today's order the commission has maintained that the cross examination of the chief minister and others would not serve any purpose.