Budgam, June 1, KNT: Peoples Democratic Front President Hakim Yasin on Saturday alleged that a powerful lobby within the Central Government is obstructing efforts aimed at resolving the Kashmir issue.
Addressing a gathering at Kachwari village in Budgam district, Yasin claimed that certain influential elements at the Centre oppose every Kashmir-related initiative of the Prime Minister and prevent substantive steps towards a political resolution.
He said the apprehensions expressed by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference were valid to a large extent, asserting that the Hurriyat leadership had repeatedly witnessed what he described as a lack of seriousness on the part of the Government of India in addressing the Kashmir dispute.
Yasin maintained that there had been instances when commitments made by New Delhi were not honoured. He stated that if the Government of India was sincere about resolving the issue, it should initiate meaningful dialogue and invite Hurriyat leaders for talks.
The PDF president further alleged that the alleged lobby within the Central Government has emerged as a major hurdle in the peace process. Referring to the autonomy resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in the past, he said the manner in which it was rejected by the Centre reflected the limitations of the democratic process.
Yasin appealed to then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to commence a serious and sustained dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference to pave the way for a political settlement. [KNT]
