Ganderbal (J&K): Calling for initiation of unconditional talks between India and Pakistan, Opposition National Conference (NC) on September 4 advocated involvement of representatives of all separatist groups in the talks to resolve the Kashmir issue permanently.

"For permanent and everlasting solution of Kashmir issue, we appeal to the leaders of both the countries not to waste more time and initiate unconditional talks to resolve the issue," NC President Omar Abdullah told a public meeting in Ganderbal.

"Representatives of all separatist organisations should be involved in these talks. After all, the Kashmir issue is a basic problem of the people of the state," he said.

Abdullah said India and Pakistan should intensify their efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue as death, destruction and spilling of blood of innocents have crossed all limits.

The NC president, who suffered a humiliating defeat in Ganderbal in the Assembly elections in 2002, said "the NC has committed mistakes in the past as a result of which the people expressed their anger against us. Anger is expressed to one's own and not to outsiders."

"However, the love and affection of the people of Ganderbal make me bold to say that reactivating and strengthening of the NC begins from its bastion here which has favoured the party candidates all through except in 2002," he said.

PTI