JOIN USIn contrast, the ruling National Conference (NC) claimed that Omar Abdullah got a pat on his back from no less than the Prime Minister himself.
The all-party meet saw Congress President Sonia Gandhi gave an introspective touch to the burning issue when she said: “We should ask ourselves why there is so much anger in Kashmir? The steps should be resolute and concrete.”
Mehbooba, the arch rival of Abdullah, demanded “an unconditional dialogue, revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and phased withdrawal of Army from Kashmir Valley.
She said that there should be no conditions from the either sides. The PDP president said there was a need to look at Kashmir from a “humanitarian angle” and it should not be made a “prestige issue”. All parties should rise above their “political interests” and find a solution to the crisis.
“Let us all join hands and find a solution to the complex Kashmir problem,” she said in a conciliatory tone. She said police crackdown should stop and all political prisoners be released immediately.
Putting up a brave front, NC president Farooq Abdullah claimed there was “no governance deficit” in Kashmir. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also praised Omar, adding that the government should look into withdrawing Army from Kashmir.
The BJP struck to its original stand against “autonomy” and party spokesman Ravishankar Prasad said talks should be within the framework of the Constitution. He also held Omar accountable for the current situation in the valley. “He cannot escape the responsibility of mishandling of the situation”.
“We cannot ignore the present situation militants are coming from across the border. If any talk takes place and if it is within the Constitution, the BJP will give constructive cooperation. BJP will be part of all party delegation,” he said.
The BJP also opposed dilution or withdrawal of AFSPA.
The representatives of the Left parties — Prakash Karat (CPM), A B Bardhan (CPI), Debabrata Biswas (AIFB) and Prasanta Mazumdar (RSP) — called for a halt to the method of policing which had led to many deaths.