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J & K CM against talks with militants

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has strongly opposed any dialogue with militants who do not accept the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India.

"Unless the militants lay down arms, how can we initiate talks with them?" Dr Abdullah said in his address to the state legislative assembly yesterday. "Those advocating talks with militants should have done so when they occupied highest positions in the country."

Amidst thumping of tables, he said, "We are Indians and will die as Indians. To further strengthen the bonds of the state with the rest of the country, we are prepared to offer any sacrifice.''

He hailed the bold initiative taken by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharief for "heralding a new chapter of peace and friendship in the sub-continent. The positive step will end the misgivings of 50 years.''

Though much should not be expected from the dialogue, it is an ongoing process which should continue, he added.

He described the talks as a leap forward after the Simla agreement. "The world is keenly watching our peace effort and we should not allow anybody to derail the process of dialogue," he added.

Condemning the barbaric massacres in Rajouri and Udhampur districts, Dr Abdullah said, "It is the handiwork of those who divide the people and wish the relations between the two nations should deteriorate further. Such elements are destined to fail."

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