Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has lauded the
Centre for asking its interlocutor on Kashmir, N N Vohra, to hold dialogue with the
cross section of people of the state, including separatists.
"It is a good move. We have been saying all along that there is a need for holding a
dialogue with all hues of opinion," Sayeed said in a phone-in programme on Radio
Kashmir on April 5.
The Chief Minister said initiation of a dialogue process with the people of Jammu
and Kashmir, including separatists, was part of his ruling coalition's common
minimum programme and it was necessary to address the alienation among the people of
the state.
"If the Prime Minister can hold talks with people from Nagaland, why not here? We
have to address the alienation among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to put an end
the vicious cycle of violence," Sayeed said.
On the criticism of his government's 'healing touch' policy by various quarters
including BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), he said, "it is not a policy but a
philosophy. Our thoughts and that of BJP do not match on this matter."
"However, in a recent high level security meeting in New Delhi, I think I was able
to convince the top brass of Indian think-tank about the necessity of pursuing the
healing touch policy and they agreed with me to a large extent," he added.
Asked about the Nadimarg massacre last month in which 24 Kashmir Pandits were gunned
down, Sayeed said, "there are enemies of peace within and outside our country who
are committing such heinous crimes."
PTI
