NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
After a 30-minute meeting, Omar told reporters that the prime minister assured them of his willingness to hold discussions with state leaders on their demand for devolution of more powers.
"I will take this assurance back to my party and chalk out our future course of action," Omar said.
Asked about the statement of Minister of State for Home I D Swami that the Centre would not restore the pre-1953 status to the state, Omar said, "When you begin a discussion, you start with your maximum demand. Later, whatever comes out of the discussion and is mutually acceptable would be implemented."
"We have a team of representatives ready and we are only waiting for the Centre to announce its team, which will hold discussions with us," he said.
Omar, who is also the minister of state for external affairs, said, "I told the prime minister that I would not be able to do justice to both the jobs."
Asked if this was an indication that he wanted to step down, Omar shot back, "Please do not put words into my mouth."
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah ruled out the possibility of deferring assembly polls, scheduled to be held before October 14 when the term of the present assembly expires.
The chief minister was reacting to certain media reports that the polls were likely to be delayed till March in deference to the demands of separatist elements willing to contest polls but only under governor's rule.
More reports on Jammu and Kashmir
Tell us what you think of this report
