Panchayat polls no substitute to K-resolution: Omar

Srinagar: Delinking just concluded Panchayat elections with the resolution of Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday hoped that the “complex issue” finds mention as part of the “comprehensive dialogue” at foreign secretary level talks between Indian and Pakistan staring tomorrow.“Panchatay polls and participation in the elections is not a substitute to overall settlement of political issue of Kashmir,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said while interacting with media at SKICC here.“There is an ongoing discussion through interlocutors nominated by government of India. I am sure that they will conclude their discussions and deliberations and come up with their report and submit it to the government of India.” Referring to foreign secretary level talks between India and Pakistan, he said, “We are heartening to see that there is bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan continuing. The foreign secretaries are meeting tomorrow and we hope that Kashmir finds mention as part of the comprehensive dialogue and not one of the subjects. We also hope that India and Pakistan are able to move forward on this very complex issue.“I am not expecting resolution to come out from tomorrow’s meeting itself but one more step in right direction for resolution of all outstanding issues including the issue of Kashmir.”         Referring to Hurriyat Conference, he said, “When a group of separatist leaders are meeting Kashmir Committee headed by Ram Jeth Malani which has no powers or mandate from the Centre to engage in talks, why are these reluctant to hold talks with the Interlocutors who have been authorized to talk to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and no redlines have been fixed for their talks,” he said, correspondent said. Omar Abdullah said that the holding of Panchayat elections in the State was a stupendous task and its successful completion without any complaint is a historic achievement. He lauded the role of Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister of State for Rural Development, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Chief Electoral Officer, B. R. Sharma, Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and other functionaries who ensured free and fair Panchayat elections in the State.The Chief Minister said that a Committee headed by Chief Secretary is finalizing the report regarding transfer of powers to Panchayats. “The report is likely to be submitted by the Committee in the next week for the approval of the Cabinet”, he said adding that Panchayats would be made powerful to the degree possible so that these grass root institutions deliver effectively on ground.In reply to a question, the Chief Minister said that the decision about holding Urban Local Bodies’ elections on non-party basis has not been taken so far. “The Cabinet will look its pros and cons and act accordingly,” he added and said that Urban Development Ministry is working out a strategy for the same.The Chief Minister said that his Government has put in place all arrangements for conduct of smooth and peaceful Amarnath Yatra this year. He said security and other arrangements for it have already been finalized and the State is ready to receive the yatris and make their pilgrimage safe.