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NC plans awareness campaign on autonomy

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

The working committee of the ruling National Conference met here this evening and discussed the situation following the adoption of the state autonomy committee report by the state assembly.

The meeting, held under tight security at the residence of the NC general secretary Shiekh Nazir Ahmad, was presided over by Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah.

According to sources, the working committee endorsed the resolution and decided to launch a massive awareness campaign in favour of autonomy.

A committee member said that district level conventions will be held after July 13 to mobilise public opinion. The leadership asked partymen to be vigilant against forces trying to create divisions among the masses on the sensitive issue.

"We are now waiting for Centre to form a ministerial committee for discussion on the SAC report," said state Law Minister P L Handoo. He said that the state cabinet has already finalised the list of ministers who will hold discussions with the Centre and other state governments on the issue. The committee members include Housing Minister Ghulam Mohi-Ud-Din Shah, Finance Minister A R Rather, Handoo, Education Minister Mohammad Shafi and Sports Minister Salathia.

Meanwhile, in continuing violence an army captain was killed and three officers were critically wounded in a massive blast at village Begpora near Awantipore in the southern Pulwama district late this afternoon. Police said that troops were on way to raid a militant hideout in a nearby village when a massive explosion triggered by militants destroyed an army Jonga. Captain Gurparan Singh was killed on the spot while three officers including Captain Harminder Singh received critical injuries.

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