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Journalism of Courage
J-K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said today that talks should include even those who do not want them to be held within the framework of the Constitution.
Replying to the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address in the Legislative Council today, Sayeed said though the Government had been offering talks within the framework of the Constitution, they could be held even without this condition if that helped improve the situation in the state.
He said that ‘‘some internal and external forces’’ were trying to derail the peace process started by his government. ‘‘Mujhe apni kursi ki chinta nahin hai. Jo kaam maine shuru kiya hai ussey hum kadam vaapis nahin kheechenge (I am not worried about losing the CM’s seat. I won’t backtrack from what I began),’’ he said.
On the apprehensions of some political parties over the release of detainees, Sayeed said that his government would do whatever it felt was necessary for the peace process. He also assured that the government would not release anyone involved in militant activities.
On the Nadimarg massacre, Sayeed admitted that the incident could have been averted had the police been vigilant. ‘‘We have taken appropriate action in this matter.’’ ‘‘If the SHO had once phoned the DIG or even a single constable had fired at the militants, the incident perhaps won’t have happened.’’
Referring to a National Conference member’s opposition to the appointment of N.N. Vohra as interlocutor in the talks, he said: ‘‘Who is the interlocutor should not be the issue. What matters is the outcome of the talks.’’
