India, Pakistan must resolve issues through dialogue: MP Chowdry Ramzan

Srinagar, May 16: Member of Rajya Sabha and senior J&K National Conference (JKNC) leader Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan on Saturday said India and Pakistan should resolve their issues through dialogue to end “ongoing tensions” and ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a day-long party convention in Budgam, Choudhary Ramzan said peace between the two neighbouring countries was essential for progress and development.

He said that poverty and unemployment were the major challenges for the people on both sides of the border.

He also referred to recent remarks by former RSS general secretary and ex-Army chief saying that voices were emerging from different quarters in favour of dialogue between India and Pakistan.

Earlier, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said India must respond “firmly to Pakistan-backed terror activities while simultaneously keeping channels of communication open.”

The RSS leader had cited former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s outreach to Pakistan as an example of maintaining dialogue despite repeated provocations.

Also, former Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane backed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary’s statement on greater people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan, saying that stronger ties between citizens on both sides could help improve bilateral relations.
He said that ordinary people on either side of the border ” have nothing to do with Politics.”
MP Ramzan said that National Conference president Farooq Abdullah had repeatedly advocated engagement between the two countries to restore peace in the region.
“As long as there is no peace between the two countries, there can be no progress,” MP Choudhary Ramzan said.
He said that more people would support dialogue in the coming days.

The senior NC leader also reiterated his party’s stand in favour of prohibition of alcohol in Kashmir saying there should be no “two opinions” on banning drugs and alcohol.

He however accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of adopting a different stand on the issue while in power and said no serious effort was made by the PDP government to impose prohibition.

“During the PDP-BJP coalition government, finance minister described alcohol consumption as a matter of personal choice,” he said.
MP further said the NC had consistently supported action against drug abuse and liquor consumption.

“The government of India has the authority to take decisions on prohibition of alcohol. Police and revenue department come under domain of J&K LG. Besides launching campaign against drug abuse, he should also advocate prohibition of alcohol as he is empowered to enforce laws and initiate action,” he said.