Delegates pitch for Kashmir autonomy, Says OP Shaw

Srinagar, June 18, : Under track II diplomacy, Indian civil society member and peace activist OP Shaw who is in Kashmir met a number of delegations including journalists, civil society members, lawyers and separatists.
The delegations exchanged notes on Kashmir problem with OP Shaw while majority of them demanded restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Those who met Shaw included, PDP legislator Javaid Beigh, separatist leader Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Ghazi Ghulam Nabi, Avtar Kishan, Fayaz Bukhari, Abdul Rashid Kabuli, Khalid Tufeel, Chunni Lal, Sanjay Tickoo, well known activist of Jammu ID Khujuria, MLC Surinder Amberdar, Laila Khaled and others. Shaw also visited the residences of separatist leaders Shabir Ahmed Shah and Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karatay who both have been lodged in Tihar Jail. He had a thorough discussion on Kashmir with the family members of these two leaders.
He also called on Governor NN Vohra and exchanged notes on Kashmir situation and Indo-Pak relations.
While talking to news agency CNS, the peace activist OP Shaw said though there are differences of opinion among people but they all pitch for Kashmir resolution. “Majority of the people whom I met want clock should be reversed back to 1947. They want restoration of autonomy with Jammu and Kashmir having their own Prime Minister and Sadar-e-Riyasat. They want restoration of provisions in original form which according to them have been eroded from time to time,” he said.
“People are also eager to see Armed Forces Special Powers Act getting lifted from Kashmir as they believe this act is the source of civilian killings,” Shaw said.
Shaw said that some people believe that Government of India is not serious and sincere about dialogue. They said dialogue should be unconditional and meaningful.
OP Shaw said that the resolution of Kashmir issue lies in fruitful dialogue. “Violence only complicates problem. I am here to persuade all the stake holders to enter into a dialogue with Government of India so that peace can prevail in Valley. (CNS)