NC is not an enemy says PDP

Srinagar, Sep 22: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, has asked its leaders and workers not to treat the National Conference as an ''enemy'' to be meted out ill-will, but as a political opposition with which a battle of ideas and principles was being fought.

The recently-constituted Political Affairs Committee (PAC), in a meeting here, also welcomed the India-Pakistan Havana declaration under which a joint security mechanism was decided to be set up between the two countries.

''Wholeheartedly welcoming the proposed joint security mechanism, the PDP expresses the hope that if implemented it will bring a sea-change in the security scenario of the sub-continent,'' it said.

Describing the India-Pakistan joint statement as a significant and positive move towards consolidation of peace process, the meeting expressed the hope that despite obstacles and occasional hiccups, the dialogue between India and Pakistan would continue as an irreversible historical process.

''For this is the only option to resolve mutual differences, improve the security environment and ensure the welfare and happiness of the people of the sub-continent,'' the PAC said.

Reaffirming its confidence in the alliance with the Congress, the meeting observed that the coalition was based on programmes and principles and the two parties -- one national and one regional -- were playing a complimentary role and enriching each other's experiences and vision.

The PAC also decided as a process of empowerment of people at the grassroots level, elections to panchayats should be held soon.

The meeting said that once the newly-elected panchayats were in place, it will increase public involvement not only in the political process, but also in the development process.

Among those who attended the meeting were former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Party President Mehbooba Mufti, senior leaders Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Abdul Aziz Zargar, Tariq Hameed Karra, Sardar Rangil Singh, Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, Nissar Ahmad Khan, Ved Mahajan, Romesh Mottan, Mohammad Dillawar Mir, Qazi Mohammad Afzal, Sardar Trilok Singh Bajwa and Master Tassaduq Hussain.

UNI