AZAD Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Friday welcomed the latest assertions by a senior leader of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) about the ‘misuse’ of the platform by some individuals. Sharing a video clip of the address by senior JAAC leader Umar Nazir Kashmiri at the Eidgah sit-in on the outskirts of Rawalakot, the AJK PM called it a ‘positive’ development, adding ‘now let us talk and resolve issues on the table instead of streets’.
The statement of the JAAC leader was a significant development and could form the basis for resolution of the issues involved in an amicable manner. In his speech on Thursday night, Mr Kashmiri distanced the alliance from controversial speeches and slogans delivered from its platform, insisting that only remarks by its core leadership should be regarded as the organization’s official position. He also told the protesters that JAAC’s struggle was confined to the demands laid down in its charter and had no connection with personal, ideological or organizational agendas advanced by individuals. The tone and tenor of the JAAC leader offered a chance to sort out the problem peacefully as he acknowledged their platform was misused for which he offered regrets. There is no denying the fact that provocative statements and mischievous demands hardened the stance of the State, which previously responded positively to even unrealistic demands like nominal electricity tariff and provision of wheat at highly subsidized rates. Mr. Kashmiri explained that controversial slogans and speeches having no connection with JAAC’s charter of demands, policy or standard operating procedures should not be attributed to the alliance. Hopefully, the genuine leadership of JAAC will see to it that the platform is not hijacked by those who have questionable motives and the Government will respond positively to the goodwill gesture of Mr. Kashmiri.
