Srinagar: National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel being portrayed as an alternative to a political initiative is yet another indication of a sustained effort to brush the political issue in Kashmir under the carpet.
While welcoming the inauguration of the tunnel which was conceived, initiated and nearly completed during the tenure of the previous UPA Government in New Delhi, Abdullah said while economic development and infrastructural growth is essential, the State would continue to suffer unless New Delhi takes a political initiative to resolve the longstanding political issue in consonance with the sentiments of the people.
“We have always maintained that economic packages and infrastructural projects cannot be alternatives to dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad and New Delhi and the stakeholders in Kashmir. Omar Abdullah said in the presence of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the inauguration of the rail-link in the Valley. He also said this on numerous occasions inside the Legislative Assembly. Unfortunately the current dispensation in the State has bartered its voice to remain in power and is watching as a mute spectator as its ally in New Delhi is creating a political vacuum in Kashmir that could have unimaginable consequences in the future,” said Abdullah.
