Lolab (Kupwara): The fast changing ground realities in the subcontinent call for concrete measures for a peaceful and final settlement of the Kashmir issue. The cost of not rising up to this necessity will be colossal for the region, People's Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said on Saturday.

"India and Pakistan must grab this historic opportunity and address the intractable issue that has made the people of Jammu and Kashmir pay a huge price."

Addressing a rally in this border town, Mr. Sayeed said that while the external dimensions of the issue were being handled through diplomacy, the initiative must be supplemented with substantial internal relief to the people. "All such processes and initiatives would be meaningless unless people on the ground, who have been the worst sufferers of the conflict, feel the change." They had to be carried along in the peace-building and reconciliation process to ensure its sustainability.

There was a sea change in the State's security situation and the people's faith in the democratic institutions and processes was growing day by day. Recognising this, New Delhi must ensure a greater playing field for political forces and civil society institutions to consolidate the gains of peace. "Instead of relying on the security forces, New Delhi must empower the people politically and economically."

The people's assertion of their identity in the post-independence history was misread by some and misdirected by others.

"It is time that the State was brought out of the troubles that are not its own making."

The country had to move fast to address the alienation of people.

Welcoming the proposal to hold the third round-table conference on Jammu and Kashmir in the last week of this month, Mr. Sayeed, said it must be result-oriented and the recommendations finalised by four working groups approved for implementation.

He expressed the hope that efforts would be made to make the conference inclusive, involving people of all shades of opinion, including separatists.

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