Three pronged-strategy for peace in J&K: BJP

NAGPUR, AUG. 20. The BJP national spokesman, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu, said today that the BJP-led National Democratic Front Government was committed to restore peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir by adopting a three-pronged strategy, .

The strategy includes winning away the youths from the militant groups operating in the Valley, greater co-operation among the security forces and exposing Pakistan's evil design in cross- border terrorism, Mr. Naidu said at a press conference.

Mr. Naidu, who is on a day's visit here along with the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr. Pramod Mahajan, to review the preparations for the party's three day all India meeting later this week, said the Government was willing to resume talks with any militant group inclined to hold discussions.

``The Government's unconditional talks with militant group was a clear indication of its positive approach and desire for ushering peace in the valley'', he said.

``Some of the militant group are speaking in a different tone now. When Hizbul Mujahideen announced ceasefire, there was jubilation in the Valley and when it withdrew it there is again sadness there'', the BJP leader added.

One of the militant group has in a candid admission asked ``what has been achieved by them (militants) during the last 15 years'', Mr. Naidu said. Replying to a query on demand for dissolution of Jammu and Kashmir Government, he said there was no thinking of doing so. ``The State Government alone can not handle the situation there and hence can not be blamed for that''.

Ruling out the possibility of Pakistan's involvement in the peace talks at any stage, Mr. Naidu said ``militant groups were influenced by Pakistan, then these groups should now influence Pakistan to stop terrorists activities across the border''.

Pakistan has once again come under severe international criticism for encouraging cross-border terrorism and has now been isolated on the issue, the BJP leader said.

``There is an urge among the people of Kashmir for restoring peace and harmony in the valley,'' Mr. Naidu said.

- PTI

Vidarbha not in NDA manifesto: Mahajan

The Union Minister for Information Technology, Mr. Pramod Mahajan, today reiterated that the Centre was willing to support the demand for separate State of Vidarbha provided the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution for it.

Talking to reporters here, Mr. Mahajan clarified that creation of only three States figure in the NDA manifesto. He admitted that his party was committed to the cause of giving statehood to Vidarbha since it was promised in its election manifesto.

Mr. Mahajan said Parliament can decide bifurcation of as many states as it can. But let the State Assembly first pass a resolution for curving out a new State whether it was a case of Vidarbha or any other region, he said.

There was no proposal to set up a Second State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) by the Government, he added.

Mr. Mahajan said since the BJP had no absolute majority in the State Assembly during the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance in the previous regime, it could not do pass a resolution to this effect. ``Why congress had not given statehood to Vidarbha during its 40 year rule'', Mr. Mahajan asked while referring to renewed demand from Congress quarters for separate Vidarbha State.

- PTI

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