Omar calls for India-Pak talks, slams role of UN observer

The Chief Minister criticised the role played by the UN observers and said their presence in the state have been of "no consequences" so far which is amply clear to all.

"We know they remained mute spectators during the saga of militancy as also during the time when Line of Control (LoC) was roaring with guns for a long time," the Chief Minister said, adding, "The ceasefire on LoC was due to talks and agreement between India and Pakistan."

Omar was addressing public meetings at Handwara and Kupwara townships of north Kashmir.

He called for resolving political issues of the state through a political roadmap, saying he would continue to bat for Indo-Pak talks in this regard as gun has never been a solution to any problem.

"Resolution of political issues of Jammu and Kashmir, in accordance to the aspirations of its people, can be sought only through talks between the two neighbours," Omar said.

"Addressing political issues and finding solution to these would also be through the process of dialogue between the two countries. Presence of UN observers or not is not required for this breakthrough," the Chief Minister said.

Taking a dig at opposition People's Democratic Party and its leadership for "deceiving people" on issues by flaring up sentiments, Omar said politics of deceit has been their trait.

"People are wise enough to read between the lines," he said maintaining that his party, National Conference, since the time of its founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah stood for peaceful settlement of Political issues through the process of dialogue.

He said Sheikh Abdullah was offered gun to carry forward his political roadmap but he denied it vehemently saying "gun only creates miseries and serves no purpose which is a universal truth and people of Jammu and Kashmir are witness to it." MORE