JK Congress rejects PDP's self-rule, demilitarisation demands

Srinagar, May 29 (UNI) Differences between the ruling coalition partners in Jammu and Kashmir deepened today with state Congress President Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed ridiculing the self-rule and demilitarisation proposals of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

''Such a demand (self-rule) makes no sense in a situation when the state has a democratic set-up since independence. If a democratically-elected government is not a form of self-rule, what is it than,'' Mr Sayeed told reporters here.

He said in the recent by-elections in the state about 60 per cent voters exercised their right of franchise was itself a testimony to the self-rule.

The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President also rejected the demilitarisation proposal, saying his party was certainly not in favour of reduction of troops from the state.

''Not at least in the present circumstances when gun reigns supreme as testified by the recent upsurge in incidents of violence in the state,'' he added.

Mr Sayeed said reduction of troops would encourage disruptive forces and give them a free hand. ''Let those advocating withdrawal of forces first give a guarantee of peace,'' he said, apparently referring to the PDP leadership.

Asserting that the Congress has a definite position on the future of Jammu and Kashmir, he said the party considered the state an integral part of India.

The Congress, however, was open to negotiate a solution which not only addressed the grievances of the people, but also facilitated maximum possible concessions under the Indian Constitution, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President added.

''The Congress is for evolving a solution which would be in the national interest and at the same time accommodate aspirations of the people of all the three regions of the state holding up the spirit of co-existence,'' he said.

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