Need to defeat divisive forces harming India, Jammu & Kashmir: Farooq Abdullah

SRINAGAR: Opposition National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah today expressed "grave concern" on the recent incidents of "intolerance" in the country, saying there was a need to defeat divisive forces who were inimical to the interests of the country in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular.

"There is a need to defeat divisive forces who are inimical to the interests of the country in general and the state of Jammu and Kashmir in particular. The recent incidents of intolerance are of grave concern to the party and the people of the state," Abdullah said.

He said this while addressing the party's working committee meeting at his residence here, which was also attended by his son and former chief minister Omar Abdullah.

The party also passed a series of resolutions maintaining that the Kashmir issue has both "internal as well as external" dimensions - which need to be addressed for sustained peace in the region.

"To address the external dimensions, the NC unanimously resolves the demand for restoration of a sustained and comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan without any further delay.

"To address the internal dimensions, the party resolves the demand for the opening of dialogue by the Central Government with all internal stakeholders, including the Separatist Leadership. Any proposed resolution of the Kashmir Issue shall be to the satisfaction of all stakeholders," the party said in a statement.

The party said that the restoration of the state's autonomy forms the bedrock of the party's political agenda.

"The party is committed to upholding the political dignity and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"While the party passed the Autonomy Resolution with two-thirds majority in 2000, we will continue to struggle for this goal in the future with vigour and sincerity of purpose," the NC said.