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J&K opposition wants discussion on militancy, not autonomy

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

On the second day of the crucial five-day session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly called to discuss the State Autonomy Committee's report, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress demanded that the House discuss instead the issue of militancy.

Congress members went so far as to suggest that no one was really interested in autonomy amidst indications that a formal resolution demanding the immediate restoration of the state's autonomy will not come into the picture.

National Conference president and Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah asked the opposition to discuss the autonomy issue rather than adopt a rigid stand that will be against the larger national interest. "We are not enemies of the nation," he said, adding, "Successive governments at the Centre know the NC wants to live with India."

Law Minister P L Handoo moved the motion to initiate the discussion. He proposed a resolution to endorse an earlier decision to constitute a ministerial committee, which would initiate a dialogue with the Government of India on the recommendations of the report.

Doubts persist whether the ruling party will introduce a formal resolution demanding immediate restoration of the state's autonomy. One political observer in Srinagar, who analysed the text of the motion moved by Handoo, said it did not have anything to suggest that the National Conference was thinking on those lines.

National Conference sources said everything depends on the chief minister who will decide what course the party will adopt. Abdullah, however, played his cards close to his chest.

Intervening in the discussion initiated by Housing Minister Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Shah, who headed the SAC, Abdullah vowed to preserve J&K as a single entity and said his party would not take any step that will lead to the disintegration of the nation.

The day's session witnessed walkouts by the BJP and Congress legislators.

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