Article 370, autonomy should be restored to its original form: NC

Advocates implementation of working group, interlocutors’ reports

5 Dariya News (Tariq Bhat)

Srinagar 09-Jun-2013

Welcoming sate Congress President, Prof Saifuddin Soz’s statement in favour of strengthening the article 370 of Indian Constitution, senior National Conference leader, Ali Muhammad Sagar today said there is need for restoring the law to its original form.“A lot of damage has been done to article 370 and autonomy over a period of time. We know and everyone knows who has done that. The damage should be restored and law should be compensated for that. Working groups have been setup to study that, interlocutors have given their recommendations for that. These recommendations should be implemented”, Sagar told news agency KNS.

Sagar said implementing 73rd amendment of Indian constitution in the state will have adverse effect on article 370. “However, good provisions of 73rd amendment will be incorporated in our act which will further democratize and liberalize the Panchayat system”. He said the issue has also been discussed in the coalition coordination committee and many provisions have been agreed upon.

However, the legislator from Khanyar constituency in the city said Srinagar city was being looked after very well. “The city has its own problems as it is expanding and population is growing. There is problem with regard to housing and road widening but we are working on it”, Sagar said adding “Public parks, community centers, bridges, flyovers etc are being constructed and developed whiles steps are also being taken for traffic streamlining”.

Without naming them Sagar asked different political parties to stop playing politics on the name of Srinagar city. “Srinagar is the heart of Kashmir and needs to be kept in best shape. Everyone should come forward for development and welfare of the city”, he said and added that there are many problems which need to be resolved.Reacting to Prof Saifuddin Soz’s statement regarding Urban Local Bodies elections, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister said the Congress Chief should ask his own ministers as to why there was delay in the elections. “Everyone knows the problems we faced in conducting BDC elections. They (Congress) know better than us”.

The senior NC leader welcomed statement favouring revocation of AFSPA and termed it ‘better late than never’. He said the controversial act should be revoked from certain areas to build confidence among people.He declined to comment on possible political scenario post 2014 elections. “Let’s leave to people as to which party emerges bigger or smaller and which party comes to power. It should be left to people who are the real source of power”, he added.

Sagar also welcomed support on Autonomy from Soz. However, he said the Public Safetly Act has been softened to a great deal. “If there is need and scope for further improvement that should and would certainly be done”.Meanwhile, National Conference Provincial President, Nasir Aslam Wani while reacting to Soz’s statement with regard to deficiency of basic amenities in Srinagar city said:”Urban Local Bodies ministry is with Congress and Prof Soz should ask his own ministers as to why city has not been taken care of. However, we think enough attention has been paid as new projects have been initiated to improve the civic amenities”, Nasir told 5dariya news