PDP demands rehabilitation for militants' families

Srinagar, May 25: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, has demanded measured reduction of troops, disengagement of Army from security operations and repeal of special powers given to armed forces in the state.

The party also sought rehabilitation of orphans and widows of the deceased militants and said self-rule offered an opportunity of a workable solution to the Kashmir issue which was acceptable to all the parties concerned.

''It is my honest opinion that as a confidence building measure our country should, with fresh resolve, seriously consider measured reduction in the involvement of armed forces in carrying out security operations and entrust more responsibility to the state police to deal with the situation,'' former Chief Minister and PDP chief patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said in his speech at the second round-table conference here.

This should be followed by withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act presently in operation in the state, he added.

''I do not argue that the task of reduction of troops could be accomplished overnight or in one go. However, I visualise that it can be accomplished by measured, responsive and responsible steps.'' Mr Sayeed also demanded that land and orchards occupied by the armed forces after turmoil should be vacated.

''It has been the honest and consistent opinion of the security experts and Army generals that bullet-for-bullet policy in Jammu and Kashmir could work only as a fire-fighting tool and permanent peace could be restored only through a sustained political process with the active inolvement of the people,'' he added.

The former Chief Minister said political forces in Jammu and Kashmir should be given a full room to assert themselves as a matter of right and not concession.

''We should not be discouraged by recent acts of violence and instead of reacting in panic or giving in to rhetoric of hawkish forces, we must reinforce our resolve to work through peaceful means and public participation for restoration of peace in the state, he added.

''Without falling prey to machinations of disruptive elements, we should not react in panic to recent massacres and other acts of violence and carry forward the peace initiatives. Instead of getting into the vicious circle and taking a hardline attitude, we should respond to provocation and acts of frustration of militants with political sagacity and not fall in their trap,'' Mr Sayeed said.

He said the PDP's position on self-rule was well-known and asserted that it offered an opportunity of a workable and mutually beneficial solution that could be acceptable to all the parties involved.

''But, it should respond not only to the aspirations of the people from all the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir, but from across the Line of Control (LoC) as well,'' the PDP leader added.

He said the opening of travel and trade routes across the LoC between two parts of Jammu and Kashmir was an unprecedented step of wisdom and courage that the two countries have displayed.

''There is, however, a compelling need to make this freedom of movement easier, more comprehensive and meaningful instead of being just symbolic in nature,'' Mr Sayeed added.

The former Chief Minister also called for taking initiatives, rehabilitation and welfare measures to realise the goal of ushering in an era of peace and amity in the region.

''One such measure could be the rehabilitation of orphans and widows of the deceased militants. An initiative was taken in this regard by my government which needs to be carried forward and implemented in letter and spirit. This would go a long way in ending the alienation of the people,'' he added.

Mr Sayeed said the Centre should consider giving a safe passage to the Kashmiri boys who had gone across for arms training, but were now willing to return to their homes and shun the path of violence.

Immense and overwhelming participation of the people in the recent by-elections not only depicts a yearning for peace, but their faith and trust in the democratic process as well, he said.

''We believe that given the expectations of the people and the faith they have reposed in the democratic institutions, there is every reason to trust them and take some bold initiatives towards the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir problem,'' Mr Sayeed said.

UNI

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