Azad appeals Hurriyat to change mindset

Jammu, Mar 4 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has urged all separatist groups including Hurriyat Conference to change their mindset and participate in the dialogue process to resolve the vexed problem in the strife-torn state.

In his concluding remarks on Governor's address in both houses of the Legislature last night, the Chief Minister appealed to young leadership of the state including ladakh, to come forward and take part in the roundtable conference by the Centre to be held in May in the summer capital.

Without naming any separatist leader, Mr Azad said ''there has been a lot of change in the attitude of the Hurriyat leadership. It is a good sign and all the separatist leaders must bring some changes in their way of thinking and join the conference.

The Chief Minister said even as the United States has realised that ''gun is not a solution to any problem'', the separatist leader should also know that the solution lies only in the dialogue process.

He said all political parties including Congress, PDP, PDF, NC, BJP, CPI(M) and non-political groups from Jammu, Kargil and Ladakh region including Kashmiri Pandits, Gujjars, SC and ST groups, Dalits and refugees had participated in the roundtable conference at New Delhi while the HC denied the invitation.

Expressing satisfaction on the peace process initiated by the Centre and opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, Mr Azad said, efforts to open other routes from Poonch and a few other points would also continue.

''Steps to open route from Poonch have been taken and trade link between the two sides are also going to be restored shortly.

It will also boost economy on both the sides besides people-to-people contact,'' the Chief Minister said.

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