''Time ripe for implementing working group recommendations''

Srinagar, Jan 30 (PTI) Ruling National Conference inJammu and Kashmir today advocated early implementation ofrecommendations of working groups set up by Prime MinisterManmohan Singh and improvement of ties between India andPakistan for establishing peace in the state.

"The time is ripe for implementation ofrecommendations of the working groups on Kashmir especiallythe Justice Sagir (committee) report," General Secretary ofthe National Conference Sheikh Nazir Ahmad said in a statementhere.

He said Justice Sagir''s report on autonomy to thestate is appropriate and timely. "Delaying the recommendationsof the working groups is harmful," he said.

Appealing to India and Pakistan to resume thecomposite dialogue for resolution of all outstanding issuesincluding Kashmir, he said, "The friendly relation between NewDelhi and Islamabad is imperative for everlasting peace in theregion and also holds the key to resolving Kashmir issue."

"We appeal to the leadership of India and Pakistan toimprove their relations by fruitful dialogue for peace in thesub-continent... bitter ties between the two countries has adirect impact on the people of Kashmir," he said.

Criticising the policy of right-wing parties, Ahmadsaid, "BJP and its like-minded parties should be aware thatthe state was not merged with India.

"As per the document of accession executed byMaharajah Hari Singh, the state acceded to the dominion ofIndia on condition and as a consequence of this conditionalaccession, Article 370 of the constitution was incorporated togrant special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir," hesaid.

He said the state has its own flag and constitutionand does not believe in the politics of hatred.

"The state is playing its role with sincerity formaintaining integrity of the country and ensure itsdevelopment."

Lauding Omar Abdullah-led coaltion government in thestate, Ahmad said the government has taken the state to newheights of development.