The People's Democratic Party on Sunday pledged 'absolute support to create an atmosphere conducive to initiate a serious effort for the resolution of Kashmir problem'.
Addressing a public meeting in Jammu, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed spelt out four conditions 'for creation of a conducive atmosphere'.
"Release of political prisoners as well as hundreds of innocent youth languishing in different jails is a must. Furthermore, draconian laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and Disturbed Area Act should be immediately revoked and forces should be withdrawn from the civilian areas," he said.
"The government, on record, has stated that infiltration has come down and there is a decline in militancy, so there is no reason to keep forces in civilian areas," Mufti said.
"After fulfilling these conditions, the prime minister should convene a round table conference by involving all stake holders, including separatists, to make the process meaningful," he said and added that 'no group could afford to spurn the dialogue offer provided that these four conditions are fulfilled before extending any invitation'.
Mufti emphasised that the "dialogue process should be all inclusive and lasting to make such efforts fruitful and meaningful"'.
He pointed out, "Even after the visit of the all-party delegation to the state and announcement of the eight-point agenda, the government had not taken a single step except appointing interlocutors to rebuild the shattered confidence of the people'.
He emphasised that there was 'need of a starting point to break the logjam and restart the peace process'.
"That would not be possible unless the present reign of repression ends and the government takes some confidence building measures," he said.
