Unprecedented polling a mandate for peaceful solution of Kashmir: NC

Srinagar, Apr 29 (UNI) The main opposition party in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Confernce (NC) has said that recent unprecedented voter turnout in the by-elections in four assembly constituencies was a clear mandate for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The people of the state favour a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue through peaceful and non-violent means, which was clearly evident from the unprecedented participation of voters in the four assembly constituencies of Bhaderwah in Jammu region and Pattan, Sangrama and Rafiabad in Kashmir valley, NC General Secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmad said here today.

However, he reiterated that the most viable solution to the issue was restoration of greater autonomy to the state.

Sheikh Nazir cricitised the RSS and other parties who are demanding scrapping of Article 370 by which the state enjoys special status in the Indian Constitution. The Article 370 was a bridge between the state and the Union of India, he said, adding people of the state will continue their peaceful struggle for restoration of all powers guaranteed under this Article.

About victory of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad by a record margin in Bhderwah constituency, Sheikh Nazir said people voted for the Congress candidate as they believe that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will find a durable solution to the issue within the parameters of state's accession with the union of India without changing the lines.

UNI BAS DKS ND1602