Search the Internet          Tips

Mulayam praises Shah's efforts to resolve Kashmir issue

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

Samajwadi Party chief and former defence minister Mulayam Singh Yadav on Friday praised Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party leader Shabir Shah for trying to find an amicable solution to the Kashmir issue.

Singh, who met the separatist leader for forty-five minutes, said, "I appreciate his stand on Kashmir. He wants to talk to the political parties in India. I wonder why the Government of India is not responding to this kind of gesture? The government also does not want to hold talks with the opposition on this issue."

"He has said that he is not against the election. What more do you want?" Singh asked.

But the Samajwadi Party chief said, "We are not in favour of postponing the election in Jammu and Kashmir, nor are we asking for Governor's rule in the state. There is difference between the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat."

Shah had earlier said he is willing to participate in the election provided it is postponed, and aims to identify the 'true representatives' of the people of J&K.

When pressed further he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National Conference of entering a pact to install Omar Abdullah, son of incumbent Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, as the next chief minister.

He is expected to call on former prime ministers Inder Kumar Gujral and V P Singh on Saturday.

Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2002: The complete coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report