An independent MLA in Jammu and Kashmir today called upon all mainstream and separatist politicians in the state to unite for fighting the problems confronting the people.
"Let us all unite - from (hardline Hurriyat chairman) Syed Ali Shah Geelani to (moderate Hurriyat chairman) Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and from (Peoples Democratic Party patron) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to (National Conference president) Farooq Abdullah - to fight the problems that people face," MLA Langate, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, said here.
The legislator was speaking at the release of the book, 'Hayaat-Wa-Khidmat' (Life and Services), based on the late Ghulam Mohammad Shah, former J-K chief minister and the estranged brother-in-law of Union Minister Farooq Abdullah.
He urged the Centre to make Kashmir stronger instead of "weakening" it.
"If you make Kashmir strong, you would be stronger, but if you weaken us, it would not be good for you either," he said.
Rashid proposed a round-table conference with participants from both sides of the political divide to evolve a consensus on the Kashmir issue.
NC General Secretary, Mustafa Kamal, alleged that the Centre's "wrong policies" had led to a huge loss not only for the state but for the whole country.
"The policies adopted by the Centre in Jammu and Kashmir have led to a huge loss not only for the people of the state but for the people of the country as well, both nationally and at the international level," he said.
Ruling NC has Congress as its coalition partner in J-K. Congress leads the UPA, which is in power at the Centre, with NC as one of its partners.
Paying homage to Shah at the book launch, Rashid said Kashmir was in need of leaders like him.
"Shah was a statesman and he gave self-esteem to Kashmir and its people. Kashmir needs people like him," he said.
Shah's widow and President of the Awami National Conference, Khalida Shah, said her husband wanted justice and equality for all and had striven hard towards the goal.
Among others present at the occasion were the chief patron of National Panthers Party, Bhim Singh, Secretary General, JKCHR, Syed Nazir Gilani, Member Parliament, GN Ratanpuri and former minister and Congress leader Gulchain Singh Charak.
