NC must for talks on Kashmir: Farooq

By Our Special Correspondent

JAMMU, DEC. 5. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, today said no talks on Kashmir could be held without the participation of the National Conference. He also welcomed Pakistan's announcement of ``maximum restraint'' along the borders.

Speaking at a function to celebrate the birth anniversary of late Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, Dr. Abdullah told a public meeting, ``No talks on Kashmir can be held without the participation of the National Conference whatever these so-called leaders say.''

``When the Centre announced the ceasefire, I was the first to be consulted on that.'' He said the NC has always been in the forefront to strive for peace and prosperity in the State and will continue to play that role in the future too. There is not a single day when an NC activist is not gunned down, he said. Taking a dig at the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, he said if it wanted azadi (freedom) or to go with Pakistan, the doors are open for them to first liberate Pakistan- occupied Kashmir. Those who migrated from here in 1947 in the name of Pakistan are still called muhajirs there, he said.

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Section  : National
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