Srinagar: Maintaining that Kashmir issue is a long-pending issue which cannot be resolved without dialogue between India and Pakistan, Senior PDP leader and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig said that both the countries should develop an understanding to start dialogue on the issue.
Talking to KNS, the former deputy chief minister said that till India and Pakistan develop an understanding on the issue, the political parties in Kashmir need to resolve issues of the people that they are facing.
“Since 1990s, youth has seen violence and killings. What are we doing for these youth? We don’t have infrastructure and opportunities for them. We need to create employment for them, start development, business and other activities in Kashmir,” Baig told KNS.
The senior leader said that Government of India is ready for talks but Hurriyat is not ready because Pakistan does not permit them.
“Hurriyat leaders will not talk without the consent of Pakistan. They will enter into dialogue with India on the directions of Pakistan. Unless Pakistan gets ready for talks with India, Hurriyat will not participate in dialogue with Government of India,” he said.
On holding by-polls on Srinagar parliament seat, the PDP leader said that holding by-polls was a wrong decision. “Holding by-polls gave an opportunity to people to vent their anger against PDP, NC and Congress. People feel that the political parties have exploited their sentiments and grievances,” he said, adding that the Election Commission of India should postpone the by-polls on Anantnag parliamentary seat.
Baig said that due to deteriorating situation, no development activity is being carried out in Kashmir which has an impact on the PDP’s strength in the valley
“PDP’s image in Kashmir is being hit as no development activities are taking place, while BJP is on ground in Jammu as the development activities are going on in the region,” he said.
On the prevailing situation in which students have protested in educational institutions, the PDP leader said that “unless we resolve the issues of Kashmiri people and youth in particular, situation in Kashmir will not improve.”
“Today the situation is very grave as Hurriyat is not in control of youth. Hurriyat leaders do not want destruction. They have witnessed the last year’s unrest. But it is youth who are on the ground, Hurriyat has no control on them,” he said.
He said that army cannot resolve political issues; it is meant to defend countries on borders.
On non-implementation of agenda of alliance on which PDP-BJP coalition was formed, Baig said, “I had told Mehbooba Mufti to see for 6-8 months if Agenda of Alliance is implemented then she should continue as chief minister. And if it is not implemented then she should go to the people again.” (KNS)