Mehbooba terms self-rule as most feasible solution for Kashmir

Jammu, Feb 4 (UNI) Exuding confidence that Self-Rule formula offers the most viable and comprehensive solution to the Kashmir issue, People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti today said this was the only option that would be acceptable to all the regions of the state.

Addrssing a rally at at Kotdhara (Darhal) in Rajouri district, she said even in the Working Group meeting on Saturday, PDP's Self Rule proposal was acclaimed.

''Self Rule is a unique formula that offers a package to tackle both the internal and external dimensions of the problem. While on the internal front it offers political, economic, social and administrative empowerment to the people in all the regions of the State, on the external front, it also ensures involvement of Pakistan in the solution to make it sustainable,''she said.

She asked India and Pakistan to initiate concrete measures for the resolution of the Kashmir issue to end the human tragedies in the State.

The time has come to make the much-needed breakthrough on the most crucial issue that concerns the lives of the people to save Jammu&Kashmir from further death and destruction,'' she said.

Ms Mufti said as both the countries now stand committed towards the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, there should be tangible movement forward with visible positive impact on the ground-situation in the State.

She said the people have suffered immensely because of the continuing violence and these sufferings must now end. ''I urge both, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pervez Musharraf to give J&K, what it needs the most today -- peace and a life of dignity to its people,'' she said.

Ms Mufti said if the two leaders make it happen, it would be their greatest gift to the people of the State. ''And I am sure they will do it by resolving the basic problem,'' she maintained.

The PDP chief said the general relief in security situation and a speedy economic reconstruction process, which is the agenda of the Coalition Government, must move side by side to put the State on the path of peace with prosperity.

UNI