Who released Azhar Masood in 1999: Dr Farooq asks BJP

Jammu: National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday asked the BJP led government at the Centre to tell to the nation as to who released Azhar Masood in 1999.
Talking to reporters at the sidelines of function held in observance of International Women Day, organized by Women Club Meri Pehchan, Dr Abdullah said he had advised against the decision but the government led by Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee went ahead and released Azhar along with his associates to seek release of hijacked Indian Airlines passengers in Kandahar.
Dr Abdullah again reiterated dialogue between India and Pakistan, saying this is the only option to sort out the issues. He said the urges and aspirations of the larger peace constituency in the sub-continent will have to be satiated by bringing thaw in the relations of the two neighbouring countries.
Earlier, addressing a function here this afternoon, Dr Farooq Abdullah affirmed his commitment to women’s empowerment and reiterated 33 per cent reservation for women in Legislative Assembly, saying the party has already ensured one-third reservation to them in Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies’.
“If voted to power with absolute majority, National Conference will move towards this direction resolutely”, he added.
Dr Farooq Abdullah said reservation to women in basic democratic institutions has proven a game-changer with regard to their participation in decision making. He said women’s role in participatory democracy will open up vistas of opportunities to them in governance, which will in turn positively impact on the harmonious growth of the society. He said the role of women representation in Panchayat Raj institutions has been promising, which needs to be encouraged at a larger scale.
He referred to the initiatives taken from time to time with regard to social, economic and political empowerment of women and said whenever given opportunities they have proved to be second to none and in fact excelled the men. Given their resillanance, competence, women are proving to be best doctors, academicians, researchers, bankers, lawyers, engineers. He stressed the need for redoubling efforts to increase female literacy especially in remote areas and ensure their economic emancipation. He also referred to the landmark decision of the National Conference government in reserving 50 per cent seats for women in the medical colleges, which has added to their self confidence.
The speakers on the occasion recalled the initiatives taken by successive National Conference governments towards women empowerment and referred to the significant role played by Madr-e-Mehrban in female literacy and economic emancipation of women.