NEW DELHI(PTI): Parliament approved the extension of president’s mule in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir for another six months beyond March 3 with the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passing the statutory resolution to this effect.

The Lok Sabha had passed the resolution last week; Replying to a two and half hour discussion on the resolution, home minister S, B.Chavan asserted that the government was not averse to granting greater autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir.

Chavan said that he was also not averse to holding talks with militants to find a lasting solution provided they ‘abjured violence’ and agreed to abide by the constitution,

Inviting all political parties to join in an attempt for initiating the political process in the sensitive State, Chavan sought cooperation from all. He also asked the political parties to visit Kashmir, Laddakh and Kargil areas to create an at mosphere for restoring normalcy in the state.

 

Article extracted from this publication >>  March 5, 1993