The Opposition National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir has said that demilitarisation was 'unthinkable' in the present context but suggested that armed forces must vacate from civilian areas in the state.
"As India is sharing borders with China and Pakistan, demilitarisation is unthinkable unless both the neighbouring countries agreed to do so along the borders of India on their side," NC president Omar Abdullah said addressing a series of public meetings in Rajouri district on Tuesday.
However, he said, the party 'strongly feels that armed forces must vacate lands occupied in civilian areas, which are either being used for public or public services, and the fertile land that are source of earning for the farmers.'
He also said the party's position was that the forces must move out of areas where people feel that militancy has been curbed and while doing so they must move to positions, which they held prior to 1989 when the state was not in turmoil.
"The solution to the Kashmir issue can be found through the process of a composite, all inclusive, dialogue," he said, adding, "It is unfortunate that the concept of self rule in Kashmir for some is Yousaf Shah Chak's Kashmir (independent Jammu and Kashmir) in the valley."
"For them in Jammu, it is a process of strengthening the bonds between India and J&K, while in Delhi it is a solution, which suits the corridors of powers there," he alleged.
Abdullah said time had come for all political parties and groups to rise above 'petty politicking and shun hollow slogans and work with sincerity and dedication for the solution of Kashmir issue.'
