JAMMU: Autonomy is imperative for upholding political dignity and rights of people of Jammu and Kashmir, the National Conference today said and batted for continued dialogue between India and Pakistan for sustained peace in the region.
In a resolution adopted at an eight-hour long Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, presided by party president Farooq Abdullah and attended by Omar Abdullah, general secretary Ali Mohammed Sagar and other senior leaders, the NC asserted that autonomy was the core of the party's political agenda and its stand is loud and clear.
The NC's Chief Spokesperson said that the CWC stressed the need for continued dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying it is the only way forward towards restoration of sustained peace in the region.
"The sustained dialogue can open window for all the problems between India and Pakistan, including issue regarding Jammu and Kashmir," the CWC resolved in another resolution, stressing that uninterrupted dialogue process should continue in the larger interests of the people of both the countries.
In another resolution, the CWC "reiterated its principled stand to uphold the pluralistic and secular ethos of Jammu and Kashmir, especially since divisive forces were hell-bent upon dividing the state on regional and religious lines".
The party expressed grave concern over some recent incidents wherein "concerted efforts were made to polarize the state on communal and regional basis".
"CWC firmly resolves its commitment to the integrity and unity of the state and shall continue to strive to protect secular, pluralistic and democratic ethos of the state", the resolution added.
The Chief Spokesperson said that the CWC expressed deep anguish over the Handwara incidents and sought judicial inquiry by a sitting High Court Judge into the entire episode.
"The victims should be adequately compensated and rehabilitated," the CWC demanded, while expressing solidarity with all those who lost their dear ones in the incidents.
It also sought severe punishment for the guilty.