JAMMU, Apr 14: Asserting that dialogue has no alternative to settle issues, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today said if cricket diplomacy helps in giving forward push to talks between India and Pakistan, he is in favour of it.
Speaking to media on the sidelines of a function of Tourism Department at Zorawar Singh auditorium here, Omar said violence will never resolve any issue.
"Unless somebody shows me any credible alternative to the dialogue, these talks will always matter. Too much time has been spent in violence and in not talking to each other", he said and emphasized the need for sustained dialogue.
"Any matter between India and Pakistan whether it is Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, Sir-creek or trade, violence will not solve these issues. It is the sustained dialogue which will solve them and if cricket diplomacy or any other diplomacy helps the process then I am all for it", he said.
In reply to another question, Mr Abdullah said that our endeavour is to expand the orbit of internal dialogue process and those who are ready for talks they would be provided full security.
In reply to another question, he said the State Police is investigating in the assassination of Moulana Showkat Ahmad Shah and said "it is an ongoing investigation and it will not be appropriate for me at this time to share any matter with you. Police is examining all leads and all evidences available and we hope to be able to track down the killers".
Omar said that Panchayat election is a local self governance election. "Please understand it is not referendum on Kashmir issue. It is not election for State Government or Centre Governments, it is a non-party Panchayat election", he said.
Meanwhile, Australian High Commissioner to India Peter Varghese today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed various issues including socio-economic and political developments in the State.
In an hour long meeting, Omar apprised the Australian diplomat of new initiatives taken by the Government with the liberal financial logistic assistance from the Centre Government to ensure equitable development and peace in the State, an official spokesman said.
Varghese showed keen interest in the measures taken by the Government to address the employment crisis.
They also discussed issues such as power generation, industrialisation, education and tourism facilities in the State.
No comments:
Post a Comment