Kashmir a political issue, but cannot be resolved overnight: Omar

Srinagar: Describing Kashmir a political issue, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the 62-year-old problem cannot be resolved in the shortest possible time.
He criticised the separatists for not talking to interlocutors, appointed by the Centre, but expressed satisfaction on renewed progress on India-Pakistan talks after the Mumbai terror attacks.
The fundamental issue of Jammu and Kashmir is of a political nature and requires a political solution Mr Abdullah said while interacting with all sections of civil society of Kashmir for 7 hours at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex (SKICC) last evening.
He said he conveyed his views in presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when a train service was inaugurated in Anantnag and also reiterated his position in the Assembly.
He reminded civil society that Home Minister P Chidambaram himself stood up in Parliament to declare that accession of Jammu and Kashmir with India was unique and needed a unique solution.
The Chief Minister said it was surprising that those separatists who do not feel shy in talking to Parliament members, who have constitutional limitations were not ready to talk to Interlocutors who have made it clear that they are ready to listen to anybody on any issue.
Mr Abdullah expressed satisfaction on renewed progress on Indo-Pak talks. The renewal of the dialogue process is very significant, and the meeting of the two Prime Ministers during the cricket match indicated improvement in relationship between the two countries.
He said a 62-years long problem cannot be solved in shortest possible time but he acknowledged that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is keen and serious in his determination in improving relationship with Pakistan.
He said any solution which is acceptable to all shall be the better solution. (UNI)