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NC resumes debate on Centre's rejection of autonomy

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

The working committee of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference is resuming its all-important meeting in Srinagar this morning to discuss the Centre's rejection of the state assembly's resolution on autonomy and its offer of talks.

The meeting, which began last week, was deferred following the death of Begum Akbar Jehan, mother of National Conference president and Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah.

National Conference sources said that despite Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's offer of talks, several members of the working committee still favour the party walking out of the National Democratic Alliance. The final decision, however, will be left to the chief.

Talking to reporters in the state capital, Dr Abdullah said his party was a democratic organisation where every member had the right to express his views. The 31-member working committee, he said, "would deliberate on everything".

The chief minister said he would be going to New Delhi with "open mind to discuss with the prime minister the entire gamut of autonomy without restriction to any specific period". "No condition has been laid down for the talks. We will discuss everything and all subjects," Dr Abdullah said.

He said it would not be fair to suspect the Centre's intentions even before the talks begin. "We must trust each other. I am sincere and with that spirit I am going to New Delhi for discussions," he said.

Abdullah added, "If New Delhi has to win over the people of Kashmir they must feel their heartbeat and accord them a place of honour and dignity." He said an amicable solution has to be found to the problems of the state, even though the way out may not be easy.

"But we have to strive for that. Whatever would be the outcome of the dialogue should be acceptable to the people because our purpose is to steer the nation ahead and carve out a place of honour for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country."

In reply to a question the chief minister said he would not "stick to any particular period for restoration of autonomy" and would be "prepared to discuss any period".

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