Militancy a flourishing trade in J&K: Qayyum Khan

Former PM of PoK Sardar Qayyum Khan says innocent people are bearing the brunt of militancy in J&K.

Former prime minister of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir Sardar Qayyum Khan has said that militancy has become a "flourishing trade" in Jammu and Kashmir and innocent people were bearing the brunt. He sought an end to all forms of violence.

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Inaugurating the 2nd 'Intra J&K heart-to-heart talks’ in New Delhi on Friday, he said the J&K crisis could be resolved through active participation of people on both sides of the Line of Actual control. The meet is being attended by leaders from both sides of Kashmir and the northern areas including Askardu.

Later briefing media-persons, Panther Pasty chief Bhim Singh said the participants extended unconditional support to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Parvez Musharraf for their peace initiatives. They also expressed hope that Kashmiri leaders who have boycotted peace talks will also see reason.

Barring the BJP, representatives of all other political parties took part in the talks. Among the participants were former J&K chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, National Conference president Omar Abdullah, senior Congress P Namgyal, CPI’s state secretary Abdur Rehman Tukroo, noted writer and political analyst Balraj Puri, Peoples Democratic Party vice-president Rangil Singh and Panthers Party legislative party leader in J&K assembly Harshdev Singh.

Participants from across the LOC included MLA Muzzafrabad Raja Farooq Haider Khan, president Mirpur bar association, Taqdees Gillani and senior vice-president of Pakistan Peoples Party in POK Muhammad Yasin.

Bhim Singh further said the participants unanimously felt that terrorism must end. They suggested the involvement of all sections of society in the dialogue process to achieve this goal.