An independent legislator from Jammu and Kashmir today said he would try to evolve a consensus between political parties and separatists on withdrawal of AFSPA.
"Everyone in Kashmir feels AFSPA is the root cause of all evil and killings taking place here, but we are a divided house. I want to act as a bridge between bigger political forces and evolve a consensus with separatist leaders on the withdrawal of AFSPA and other such laws," MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid told reporters here.
Rashid, who represents Langate in the state Assembly, said he would knock the doors of every mainstream and separatist leader in the Valley to take them on board over the issue.
"I will go to every leader - from Omar Abdullah (Chief Minister) to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed (PDP patron), to Mirwaiz Umer Farooq to Syed Ali Shah Geelani - with a sincere and humble request to be united in demanding revocation of AFSPA, Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) and Public Safety Act (PSA)," he said.
Rashid said time has come to cut across party and ideological lines and be united.
"If we cannot unite and get such laws revoked, then it is the misfortune of this nation," he said.
The legislator, who recently floated a political party Awaam-i-Etihaad, said he has sought a meeting with Omar and Sayeed and hopes to get a "positive response" from them.
"Let us leave bigger issue like resolution of Kashmir aside for the moment. Let us be united in demanding withdrawal of these laws for the genuine aspirations of people," he said, adding it would not "dilute" the stand of any party whether mainstream or separatist.
He said if other parties have any better ideas, he would follow them.
"If we are successful in being united and achieving our goal, then a consensus can be created for resolution of the Kashmir-issue," he added.
