Appreciate voices trying to resolve Kashmir dispute: MLA on

Stoking a controversy, Independent MLA Shiekh Abdul Rashid today said Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory and release of separatist leader Masarrat Alam should not be seen as an undue favour to him, and called for appreciating voices which wanted the dispute resolved.
"Let these self styled patriots not forget that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and whosoever, including Masarrat Alam, talks of its resolution, cannot be labelled as an anti-national or anti-Indian.
"But good Indians should appreciate those voices who want Kashmir dispute to be resolved, as it will help India also in making progress towards prosperity," Rashid said in a statement here.

The Langate MLA was reacting to the outrage expressed by various quarters following Mufti-Mohammad Sayeed-led PDP-BJP government's decision to release the hardline separatist leader yesterday.
Rashid welcomed the separatist's release but maintained that "the release should not been see as an undue favour to Alam or Kashmiris".
"The frustration being shown by few political parties and a section of national media leads to the fact that how scared Government of India is about the genuine political activities in Jammu and Kashmir as its stand vis-a-vis Kashmir dispute has been completely illogical and unjustified right from 1947.
"Who does not know that Masarrat Alam and dozens of others are being put behind the bars in gross violation of human rights under draconian laws? It is shameful on part of so-called nationalist forces who in the name of patriotism want to crush voice of Kashmiris for resolution of dispute," he added.