Srinagar, June 12:Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik today asked militants to give up arms and invited them to talks, while allaying apprehensions about the delimitation of Assembly constituencies in the state, describing these as rumours and a constitutional matter which cannot be done in a day.
At a press conference on the initiatives taken by the government during the last one year since the state came under Governor’s rule on June 20 last year, he said, “Delimitation cannot be done in a day. It is a constitutional matter. These are all rumours.”On reports that the Centre could work towards abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the Governor said these were in the election manifestos of many political parties. “No need to worry,” he added.
The Governor also reiterated that any decision on the conduct of Assembly elections would be taken by the Election Commission of India, saying the government was ready for the conduct of these elections, reminding that ULB and panchayat elections were held peacefully last year. Any decision would be taken after the Amarnath yatra concluding on August 15, the ECI had conveyed, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said.
Malik, while asking the militants to come to the negotiating table, asserted that violence would not break India. He said the people of the state, particularly the unemployed youth, were being misled by leaders in the name of “azadi” or “autonomy”.
“I respect Hurriyat leaders, but they have raised their voice on wrong issues… they did not tell the truth to the people,” Malik said. The militants may not realise it now, but 10 years down the line they will repent choosing the wrong path, he added. “You cannot make India bow through violence.”
‘Take everything from us, but through love’
Take everything from us, we will give our life, but through love and dialogue. For that (PM) Modi is ready, we are ready. Come to the dialogue table and take it forward… You have your own Constitution, separate flag. Whatever more you want, you will get it through the democratic process and within the ambit of the Indian Constitution.
Satya Pal Malik, Jammu and Kashmir Governor
