Initiate talks with all shades of opinion: NC to PM

The ruling National Conference today asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to consider early restoration of autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir and initiate talks with all shades of opinion in the state.
An 18-member NC delegtation, led by MP Mehboob Beg, called on the Prime Minister here and discussed political and developmental issues facing the state, a party spokesman said.
The delegation also pitched for resumption of Indo-Pak dialogue, implementation of Working Groups and interlocutors' reports, operning of cross-LoC routes and special recruitment package for youths in various central government departments and institutions.
Revision of special package for Kashmiri migrants, special package for PoK Refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971, package for earthquake affected areas and rehabilitation and return of misguided Kashmir youth from across the LoC were among the demands raised by the delegation.

The demand for quota for the Paharis without affecting the reservation available to the Scheduled Tribe was also raised by the ruling party, the spokesman said.
He said the demands were made in a memorandum which was submitted to the Prime Minister at the meeting.
Describing autonomy as "bedrock" of the party, the spokesman said the National Conference sought early consideration of the autonomy resolution passed by the state Legislature with two-thirds majority and urged Singh to announce measures in this regard.