M A I N   N E W S

Mufti to work for consensus

New Delhi, December 1
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, said today that he would strive hard for creating a consensus on an unconditional dialogue to solve the Kashmir problem and asked the NDA government at the Centre to capitalise on the “good beginning” made by holding free and fair elections in the state.

The Mufti who is on his first visit here after assuming office on November 2, told reporters that during his stay here he would strive to build a consensus at the national level for an unconditional dialogue for solution of the Kashmir problem.

Brushing off reports about any confrontation with the Centre, he said “We have complete understanding with the Central Government. The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the Home Minister, Mr L.K. Advani, know the ground realities, they know the challenge we are facing.”

He said all “Of us will go together — Central and state governments and all other forces. We think we have to face this challenge and we have made a small beginning in this direction.”

Later addressing IAS officers of the state cadre, the Mufti said his government was keen to accelerate the process of normalcy and restore peace with dignity and honour in the state.

The Mufti, who would be calling on Mr Vajpayee and Mr Advani during his three-day stay here, stressed upon the need for making constructive efforts in winning the hearts of the people of the state. PTI