Srinagar, July 28 (PTI) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday objected to Pakistan talking to separatist leaders only and ignoring the mainstream politicians from the state.
praying for peace: Pakistan's Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar looks on during a visit to the shrine of Muslim Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia in New Delhi on Thursday. AFPTalking to mediapersons on the sidelines of a sports related function, he said: “There is nothing wrong in Pakistan talking to separatists. The two sides have been talking in the past also but Pakistan cannot ignore the mainstream parties as separatists are not the only leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. In fact we have contested the polls and have representative character.”
He stated that the neighbouring country will have to hold dialogue with mainstream politicians also for the solution of the Kashmir issue.
Omar had traveled to Pakistan some years back for attending a conference and had held talks with the then president Gen Pervez Musharraf. He was not the chief minister at that time.
Later, Gen Musharraf had described Omar and PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, who too had visited Pakistan a number of times, as future leaders of Jammu and Kashmir.
During an interaction with mediapersons, Omar hailed the confidence building measures regarding for the state, announced by foreign ministers of India and Pakistan.
He strongly advocated for strengthening the cross LoC trade between two parts of Jammu and Kashmir by converting it from present barter trade into a normal banking supported trade activity.
(www.deccanherald.com)
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