Onus lies on New Delhi to re-start the talks: Hakim Yasin

Srinagar

While reacting to New Delhi’s recent statement that “it was open to dialogue with Kashmiri separatist groups provided they eschew the path of violence,” Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and MLA Khansahib Hakim Mohammad Yasin said on one hand New Delhi talks about dialogue and on the other it takes steps which shuts the doors for talks.

Hakim Mohammad Yasin

In a statement issued to press, Hakim Yasin said there is urgent need to create conducive atmosphere for dialogue. “There are several past agreements, declarations and formulas which could be base for re-starting a dialogue process. From Shimla agreement to Lahore declaration and General Musharaf’s four point formula, India and Pakistan have so many ways and options to carry forward the stalled dialogue process to solve Kashmir issue. There is report of working groups constituted by the Government of India in which all the parties have accepted that dialogue is the only way forward,” he said.

“Let New Delhi make these agreements and declarations as basis for reviving stalled dialogue process. But instead it is closing all the doors to start a dialogue process before it shows any willingness to do so which is most unfortunate. The onus lies on New Delhi to re-start the talks with all stakeholders in Kashmir, including Hurriyat Conference and other separatist leaders,” the PDF chief added.

The MLA Khansahib also termed the extension of Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to Jammu and Kashmir as a big blow to Article 370 of the Constitution of India. “The Constitutional (Amendment) Bill passed by the Parliament is not applicable to J&K unless State Legislature looks into its various provisions and takes decisions accordingly. Then after the concurrence of the State Legislature, Presidential Order is issued, which has not been done in this case,” he said.

He also lashed out at the authorities for disallowing congregational Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid Srinagar for the sixth consecutive week. “It is interference in the religious affairs of the people in the garb of maintaining law and order,” Hakim Yasin said.

The PDF chief also demanded that all the political prisoners must be released immediately.

 

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