'Autonomy, not division, only solution'

NEW DELHI, JUNE 3. Expressing its opposition to any division of Jammu and Kashmir, the State Government today said it would fight for autonomy as it was a ``priority on the political agenda'' of the ruling National Conference.

``Jammu and Kashmir is a multi-linguistic, multi- cultural and multi-religious State. It cannot be allowed to be disintegrated into smaller fragments,'' its Minister of State for Home, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, said here when his attention was drawn to the Ladakhis' demand for a union territory status and the Kashmiri pandits' plea for a `separate homeland' within the Valley.

`Greater autonomy' was the ``most acceptable and viable solution'' which could satisfy all sections of people in the State. Mr. Lone regretted that the Centre had rejected the State Government's autonomy report ``without even going through it.'' However, ``rejecting the report (in July last year) does not seal it forever... It is a priority on our political agenda and we will fight for it legally.''

Describing the visit of the Centre's interlocutor, Mr. K. C. Pant, to Jammu and Kashmir as a ``study tour,'' Mr. Lone said ``he was on a a mission to study the Kashmir issue rather than negotiate a solution to the problem.''

Mr. Pant's mission was a ``good beginning,'' but ``resolution lies in direct talks between India and Pakistan... The only way to end militancy in Jammu and Kashmir is to talk to Pakistan as it supports terrorism in the State,'' the Minister said, adding ``we are dealing with cross-border terrorism and not an internal security problem.''

Appreciating the invitation extended by the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, to the Pakistan Chief Executive, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, he said, ``if both leaders show sincerity and a realistic approach, the issue can be resolved.''

- PTI

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