Allow free movement for Kashmiris across LoC: Minister

Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig on Saturday suggested free movement for Kashmiris in India and Pakistan across the border to facilitate easing of tensions and restoring peace in the valley.

Baig, also the law and parliamentary affairs minister, said this in a meeting with a group of students who called on him on Friday evening.

He claimed that the fast emerging global scenario would encourage the two countries to end their hostilities and resolve all outstanding issues amicably.

He also alleged that vested interests are trying to sabotage the pro-people policies of the two-month old People's Democratic Party-led coalition government in the state.

Reacting to the reported threat to his life from Pakistan-backed militants, the minister said "I will continue to go to the people and mitigate their sufferings even if I face threats to my life."

Meanwhile, alleging 'harassment and intimidation' of people by the State Subject Enquiry Commission, set up to investigate illegal residents in the state, the Jammu And Kashmir National Panthers Party demanded that the commission be disbanded immediately.

"We want the coalition government to disband the notorious SSEC with immediate effect, in the interest of innocent citizens who have been harassed and intimidated by it," party president Bhim Singh said.

The party working committee also demanded a judicial inquiry into the alleged custodial death of Rakesh Singh Manhas at Chinor police station in Jammu on Thursday, which had sparked off violent protests in the area.