Key demands placed before all-party delegation in Kashmir: Grant of autonomy, holding plebiscite

New Delhi: Grant of autonomy, holding plebiscite and initiating a dialogue with separatists as well as Pakistan were some of the key demands placed before the All Party Delegation (APD) which visited Jammu and Kashmir on 4-5 September. [caption id=“attachment_2994994” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] All-party delegation in Kashmir. PTI[/caption] According to a note, which was prepared by the Home Ministry, these were among the issues raised by various political parties and organisations before the All Party Delegation. The delegation was told that the autonomy resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000 should be implemented. Among other issues raised before the delegation included carrying out plebiscite as per UN resolution and discussions held with separatists as well as Pakistan, said the note circulated among the members of the APD at a meeting on Wednesday. Various political parties and organisations conveyed to the law makers that if the current agitation, which started after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on 8 July, continues, the mainstream society will become weaker. Other political points made to the MPs are: Promises made by current state government have not been fulfilled; Agenda for alliance between PDP and BJP should be implemented; elections of local bodies have not been held and delimitation of constituencies by the State Election Commission/ Election Commission of India to be expedited. Some key issues flagged by some parties and groups are: radicalisation in madrasas and mosques, funding for the unrest and newly built mosques needs to be investigated, drug smuggling and infiltration from Pakistan should be stopped, there should be no compromise on security, cross border terrorism should be dealt forcefully and review of AFSPA and reduce the footprints of militancy and paramilitary forces from civilian areas.