NEWSLINKS US EDITION SOUTH ASIA COLUMNISTS DIARY SPECIALS INTERVIEWS CAPITAL BUZZ REDIFF POLL THE STATES ELECTIONS ARCHIVES US ARCHIVES SEARCH REDIFF
Onkar Singh and Basharat Peer in New Delhi
The chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, Shabir Shah, on Monday called on government interlocutor K C Pant in New Delhi and appraised him of the situation in the valley.
Talking to newsmen at the end of their one-and-a-half hour long talks, both Pant and Shah described the visit as a courtesy call.
"I complained to him about the excesses that the security forces were committing in the valley," Shah said.
"I talked about custodial deaths. The security forces have got excessive powers under the disturbed areas act. Those who commit excesses should be punished," he said.
Shah also said that his party was not running away from the elections. "I am not saying that the elections should be held under the supervision of the United Nations. There are eminent people in our country who can ensure free and fair elections," he said.
Asked about the new dress code that was being enforced by the militant outfit in the valley, Shah said though Islam asked the women to wear burkha, he was against the use of force.
"We condemn the manner in which it is being implemented. We do not approve of throwing acid on women. I do not know who these people are. But I think they are trying to create a divide between the people of various communities with such actions," he said.
Shah praised Prime Minister Vajpayee for his bold initiative to start a dialogue, not only with the people of Kashmir but also with Pakistan.
"There are elements who do not want peace in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. I will be meeting ex-prime ministers and other important political leaders during my stay in Delhi and seek their support," he added.
Pant admitted that Shah had brought some incidents to his notice and said he would make inquiries about them. When asked if he had discussed the issue of autonomy with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Pant said that he had brief discussions with him.
"I am waiting for the chief minister to come to Delhi," Pant said.
Pant described his meeting with Shabir Shah as fruitful. "We reviewed the situation since our last meeting in Srinagar when he invited me for breakfast at his residence," he said.
Back to top
Tell us what you think of this report
