Need to shift focus on practical discussions on Kashmir: PDP

Srinagar, Nov 28 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti today said the time has come to shift the focus to effective practical discussion on a possible solution to the Kashmir issue instead of digging the complexities of the history.

Addressing a day-long party convention at Hajin in Baramulla district, she said her party believed that the empowerment of regional federation would go a long way in stabilising peace.

Economic integration as new vistas of trade and sources would be available by implementing the self-rule formula, she added.

Ms Mufti said no political party or group could afford to keep aloof at this crucial juncture and need to contribute toward restoration of dignified and permanent peace in the state besides providing a conducive atmosphere for resolving the Kashmir issue through the dialogue process.

The leadership of both India and Pakistan seemed very serious about resolving the vexed issue, she added.

Acknowledging the generous financial assistance by the Centre for rebuilding infrastructure and rejuvenating the state's sluggish economy, the PDP President called for sustained political initiatives to resolve all the problems through peaceful means.

At this movement, she said concerted and comprehensive effort was imperative to make Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh politically stable and economically strong.

UNI AG MIR HT2057