Bridging Kashmir-Jammu divide a tough task: Karan Singh

Srinagar, Oct 9: Former Sadre-e-Riyasat Karan Singh Wednesday said a clear and sharp political divide between the two regions of Jammu and Kashmir would be a challenge for the new government to overcome.

In a statement issued here, Singh said it is a matter of great satisfaction that after 10 long years, free and fair elections were held in J&K without any untoward incident for which the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the security forces deserve appreciation.

“The National Conference has performed spectacularly in Kashmir while the BJP has done the same in Jammu. However, the BJP has drawn a blank in Kashmir and the Congress a virtual blank in Jammu. There is thus a clear and sharp political divide between the two regions which will be a challenge for the new government to overcome administratively,” he said.

The former Sadre-e-Riyasat congratulated NC Vice President Omar Abdullah for the electoral success and wished him a successful tenure.

“The next logical step, of course, is to restore full statehood to J&K. This has been a commitment of the Centre to the Supreme Court and I will urge that it be done without further delay while the political atmosphere is still vibrant,” he said.

Singh said domiciliary provisions should be introduced in J&K on the lines of those prevailing in Uttarakhand and Himachal regarding the acquisition of property.

“Building on the work done during the Governor’s rule, the new government will have to ensure that administrative discipline continues and there is no room given to corrupt practices,” the former Rajya Sabha member said. “It is now my hope that the beautiful state created by my ancestors will move into a new phase of harmony and all-round development.”