PDP favours dialogue with J-K separatists

PDP patron and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today advocated dialogue with separatists in Jammu and Kashmir saying ideas cannot be imprisoned and must be addressed through engagement.
"While we feel the resolution (of Kashmir issue) could come by adopting Constitutional means and exercise of vote, those who have other solutions should be free to propagate.
"People may be thrown in jail or house arrested, but ideas cannot be imprisoned and must be addressed through engagement," Sayeed said addressing a special meeting of senior party leaders here.
Reiterating the party's demand for revocation of AFSPA and laws like PSA, Sayeed said it is not a mere slogan, but a primary requisite for creating a congenial atmosphere for resolution of bigger issues.

"Such laws are anti thesis of democratic political system prevalent in the country. Jammu and Kashmir cannot be eternally ruled by brute force, bullets and muzzling of dissent," he said adding, "peaceful protests is a universal right."
Demanding a time bound enquiry into the Gool firing incident and killing of two youths allegedly by Army in Sonawari area of Bandipora district last month, Sayeed said punishment to guilty in these cases could serve as a step in restoration of confidence in the system.