Srinagar, Jul 11 : A two-hour-long discussion was held at a high level conference titled ‘Jammu and Kashmir, the way forward’ under the auspices of OP Shah led centre for peace and Dialogue at IIC, New Delhi.

The participants including prominent leaders, civil society members, journalists and budding scholars disagreed with the Modi- led government’s handling of Kashmir and suggested dialogue with people of the state with restoration of dignity of institutions in the state.

The participants, were critical equally against New Delhi and JK leaders for their failures to clinch a resolution through people- friendly approach, but were disapproved over the ‘terrorism’ unleashed in the state.

NC leader Farooq Abdullah was the key participant who called for respect for commitments made to people of the state, end to hate politics and coercive measures, change of attitudes and restoration of institutions was the star attraction.

Former legislator and senior journalist Nizamuddin Bhat opened the debate with the desire that conferences as this should serve as a legitimate forum to gather public opinion on Kashmir which needs to be honoured by powers that be without any bias or expediency.

He emphasised importance of connect wd the people the real stake holders and called upon New Delhi not to isolate or undermine people of the state through dangerous discourses on political and constitutional issues including 370 and 35 A.

OP Shah thanked participants for their valuable contributions through a candid and healthy debate and hoped that such interactions will help break the ice on Kashmir for positive engagements in future, to determine the way forward.

Member of Parliament from Communist Party D Raja, NCP MP Majid Memon, KC Tyagi MP JDU, Mehmood Madni Jamaet Ulema Chief, Aarti Tickoo, Journalist, Dr. Hussain from Jamate Islami, Sanjay Singh from AAP, Hussain Dalwai from Congress and Bhim Singh from Jammu were the main participants besides Dr. Farooq Abdullah former CM and NC patron and Nizamuddin Bhat former legislator.

Srinagar, Jul 11 : Member of Parliament and National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Thursday asked that when US can talk to Taliban despite the use of bullets then why can’t Delhi talk to Kashmir.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function to commemorate 19th death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan, Dr Farooq,  said that Kashmir is a political issue and needs a solution for which both the countries should sit on a table to resolve the issue.

He added that some people are saying that Kashmir is not any issue but why talks were held from time to time since 1947. “This issue is in United Nations. Several Prime Ministers from 1947 including Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and others held talks. Even the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi also went to the Pakistan to talk with them,” he said.

However, he said that they (GoI) is asking for an end to the terrorism before any dialogue for the resolution of Kashmir but the US and Afghanistan are also holding talks amid the use of bullets. “If the talks can be held amid bullets in Afghanistan then why such policy cannot be adopted in Kashmir,” he asked.

He said that dialogue must be held with all the stakeholders, adding that Pakistan should also talk to the leaders living in Pakistan Administered Kashmir (PaK). “Nobody should think they have lost but the dialogue should be held to resolve the Kashmir issue,” he said. 

Banihal, Jul 11 : National Conference (NC) today paid glowing tributes to Madr-e-Meharban Begum Akbar Jehan on her 19th death anniversary at a solemn memorial meeting organized at party’s central office Banihal which was presided by district President, Ramban Haji Sajjad Shaheen and was attended by prominent party functionaries and office bearers of Banihal constituency.

While paying rich tributes to Madr-e- Meharbaan, the district president recalled historic role of Begum Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah during the political movement of Jammu and Kashmir.

Shaheen recalled her immense contribution towards socio-economic transformation and political empowerment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and made a particular reference to the role Begum Sahiba played during the imprisonment of Sheikh Sahib and said she kept the spirit of people alive and infused energy them.

Shaheen further said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will always remain indebted to Madr-e-Meharban for keeping the great mission of Sher-e-Kashmir alive during his long spell of imprisonment.

Describing her contribution in promotion of female literacy and empowerment of weaker sections of the society as exemplary, Shaheen said that her life has been an example of selfless service to poor and needy.

Prominent among those who paid tributes include District vice presidents Mohd Afzal Wani, Saif din Dar, Mohd Afzal Khan, Mohd Amin Parrey , Parvez Ahmed Sheikh , Block presidents Haji Abdul Shad Shan, Mohd Khaleel Sohil, Riyaz A Mir, Mohd Ashraf Naik, Block Secretary Abdul Jabar Hajam besides Haji Ismail Baig, Mohd, Ab Majid Wani, Youth leaders Tariq Ahmed Dar, Mohd Abbas Naik, Babar Wani, Mudassir Ahmed also spoke in the meeting and remembered the contribution of Madr-e-Meherban.

Similar functions were also held by the district unit of the party at Ramban & Batote simultaneously and presided by Mohd Arif Wani, Block president Ramban & Mohd Arif Mir District Secretary respectively.