Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said permanent peace in the state can be achieved by addressing basic political issues confronting it.
Permanent peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir is directly proportionate with resolution of basic political issues confronting the state, Omar said addressing a gathering after inaugurating a power receiving station in central Kashmir's Budgam district, 35 kms from here.
The Chief Minister cautioned against taking Kashmiris 'for granted' and said 'some friends' in New Delhi have a misconception in this regard and they assume that 'peace in Kashmir' is permanent.
"I want to tell them that this is not the case and anger of Kashmiris and peace in Kashmir cannot be taken for granted. Though people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those living in the Valley, have always chosen peace against disturbance, you cannot take them for granted," he said.
While lauding the patience and restraint of Kashmiris despite some incidents with potential to disturb peace, Omar said it is wrong to think they will always remain patient.
"People in Kashmir may exhibit restrain and patience over various provocations like hanging of Afzal Guru without informing his family, killing of two innocent youths in Markundal recently and many other such aggravations, for which I salute them, but that does not mean that their patience will always be taken for granted," he said.
The Chief Minister said Kashmir issue is not about money or gun, but of political genesis needing political solution.
Omar said he has time and again emphasised the need of addressing the Kashmir-issue through dialogue.
"We have created a congenial atmosphere for dialogue and there are positive signals of peace and good relations from Pakistan," he said, stressing on restoration of purposeful dialogue in this regard.
Status of relations between India and Pakistan has always had an effect on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
"We want friendly relations between the two neighbours and issues settled peacefully across the table," he added.
Omar lashed out at those sitting in Delhi and considering that participation of people in panchayat elections, Kashmiris qualifying for IAS and other competitive examinations or selection of a local youth in national cricket team, have solved the basic political issues.
Terming this kind of mindset as "unfortunate", he called for a pragmatic and straight-forward approach to address the political issues of Jammu and Kashmir through peaceful process of dialogue.
