Mufti played role in crumbling edifice of J

Srinagar, May 30 (UNI) The main opposition National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir today alleged that former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had played a ''pivotal role in crumbling down the edifice'' of autonomy to the state.

''Our opponents have always played tricks believing that memory of the people is short lived. All of us know that Mr Sayeed has played a pivotal role in crumbling down the edifice of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir,'' senior NC leader Dr Mehboob Beg told a gathering at the party headquarters here.

The NC was the only party with a definite agenda for resolution of the Kashmir issue, he added.

In his speech, senior leader Ali Mohammad Sagar advised Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to be vigilant and keep a check on how his government was functioning.

NC General Secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmed said resolution of the Kashmir issue was now round the corner after conclusion of the second round-table conference here, where the NC's political agenda had been hailed by one and all.

He assured that any solution more acceptable than restoration of internal autonomy would be a welcome step. India and Pakistan were now on the path of agreement for resolution of the Kashmir issue on the lines adopted by the NC about 50 years ago.

''Jammu and Kashmir was completely independent leaving only three spheres under the Centre's control. Then came the moments of encroachment of powers of the state and our leaders including Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Mirza Afzal Beg had to restart the movement for restoration of the rights of the people,'' Mr Ahmed said.

He said considering all aspects of the past history, the NC central executive recently adopted three resolutions on the basis of which the party expressed its viewpoint in the round-table.

The NC leader called for unanimous approach of all sections of the society for working out a methodology ending the present abnormal situation in the state.

The atrocities against women cannot be tolerated, he said, adding the youth of the state could not be misled by the vested interests.

''It is the duty of senior party workers to spread truth and lure masses to believe in that,'' Mr Ahmed said.

UNI AG CH KP1847