Shabir Shah praises Omar for courageous statements

Srinagar, Mar 16: Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Chief Shabir Ahmad Shah has come out in support of National Conference (NC) President Omar Abdullah, terming as 'courageous' his statement that Jammu and Kashmir is a political issue and should be settled politically and not militarily.

He also said the people of Jammu and Kashmir should not be dependant on anybody for achieving their political rights.

''For getting right to self determination, we are ready for talks and want to take the armed struggle to its logical conclusion,'' the DFP President added.

In a statement here, Mr Shah said the recent visit of US President George W Bush to India and Pakistan was only aimed to benefit the ''American interests''.

The people should learn a lesson from the visit, he added.

The DFP Chief said the recent three-day international conference organised by Pugwash in Pakistan was the first such meet where both separatist and mainstream political leaders demanded withdrawal of troops from entire Jammu and Kashmir.

''This is a good beginning, if said with sincerity,'' he added.

Mr Shah termed as ''unfortunate'' the reported differences between the militant leadership and the Pakistan government.

''The role played by militants in highlighting the Kashmir issue is commendable and nobody can deny it. This is a matter of concern for the pro-freedom leadership,'' he claimed.

UNI