Azad's remark about NDA-Hizb talks in 2000 draws flak

Srinagar, Apr 23 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's recent statement that it was a ''shame'' on the part of the NDA government to hold talks with ''masked militants'' of the Hizbul Mujahideen in 2000 has evoked sharp criticism not only from the main opposition National Conference (NC) but also from the ruling coalition partner the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

At a Central Reserve Police Force function near here on April 17, Mr Azad said, ''it was a shame that the representatives of the Government of India held talks with nakab-wearing (masked) people in 2000. Nobody in the government knew who they were talking to.'' ''We will not talk to somebody whose face we cannot see. We would like to talk to the gun-wielding people (militants), but before that they have to lay down the arms and abjure the violence,'' he added.

The Chief Minister also ruled out talks with ''gun-wielding and nakab-wearing (masked) people'' and asked the militants to lay down arms and join the ongoing dialogue and peace process.

''We cannot talk to the gun-wielding people. In democracy, you cannot expect the people coming with the gun and sitting across the table. They (militants) have to abjure the violence,'' Mr Azad said.

Talking to UNI on April 20 at Pattan while on a campaign trail, NC President Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment over Mr Azad's remarks.

''I was disappointed with the Chief Minister's statement that talks will not be held with the militants. He also criticised the NDA government for holding negotiations with the Hizbul Mujahideen in 2000. I think that was wrong,'' Mr Abdullah said.

He said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government held talks with the Hizbul Mujahideen only after the militant outfit declared an unconditional ceasefire in July 2000.

''Anybody who is willing to announce an unconditional ceasefire must be spoken to. We cannot have this policy of non-engagement,'' the NC President said.

Mr Abdullah, however, endorsed Mr Azad's view that talks could not be held with anyone carrying guns.

''But, the option of ceasefire must remain open...and that was an option the NDA did manage to use,'' he added.

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