PDP's self-rule slogan ahead of Mufti's UN visit

Srinagar, Oct 28: 'Self-rule ke maene khaas...Ikhtirat ki chabi awaam ke paas (Self-rule has a special meaning...key to power is with the people)' was the slogan coined by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, at a public meeting here today.

The meeting, which turned out to be a show of strength by the PDP, was held a day ahead of the visit of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to New York at the head of the non-official Indian delegation to attend the 61st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It was addressed among others by Mr Sayeed and party chief Mehbooba Mufti.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Sayeed asserted that the self rule formula put forth by the PDP was the most viable solution to resolve the Kashmir tangle. ''It will lead to take the sailing boat of Kashmir to safe shores,'' he added.

Mr Sayeed, who is also the PDP patron, said the self-rule proposal would bring an ultimate end to the miseries of the people of the state and extend them an opportunity to lead a dignified life full of promise and hope.

''Jammu and Kashmir has a pivotal role in shaping the political and economic scenario of the sub-continent as it will be a hub of rapid and momentous activity facilitating the region's economic integration with the world,'' he added.

Highlighting the broader contours of the self-rule formula, Mr Sayeed said the proposal would accommodate the aspirations of the people of all the regions and sub-regions including the disadvantageous areas of the state.

The former Chief Minister said the PDP believed that empowerment of regional federation would go a long way in stabilising peace and economic integration in the state as new vistas of trade and resources would be available for the people who had suffered a lot during several years of turmoil.

Mr Sayeed said no political party or group in the state could afford to keep aloof at this crucial juncture and should in one way or the other contribute towards strengthening the ongoing peace process that would ultimately lead to a peaceful and permanent settlement of the Kashmir issue. Hailing the Centre for liberal assistance to Jammu and Kashmir which brought a sea-change in the development scenario, the Army and the security forces for effectively combating militancy, the PDP leader hoped that India would consider gradual reduction of troops to provide a chance for the police to handle the internal security of the strife-torn state.

Addressing the meeting, Ms Mufti said the PDP's policy of healing touch and winning the hearts and minds of the people has withstood the challenges of time.

The PDP-led coalition government ensured that there was general relief to the people in the security situation, she said and appreciated the security forces for actively cooperating with it in this endeavour.

''It is now being widely acknowledged that the PDP's healing touch policy made tremendous positive impact on the ground situation by phenomenally reducing the levels of alienation,'' Ms Mufti said.

She said there was an imperative need to consolidate these gains by taking some bold initiatives with political will.

Ms Mufti sought massive support from the people for the party's self-rule formula.

Mr Sayeed's visit to New York would be an important step towards accelerating the ongoing peace process in the state, she added.

The former Chief Minister had recently held detailed discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his predecessors Atal Bihari Vajpyee, I K Gujral and V P Singh besides UPA Chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi over the political scenario in the troubled state and the importance of continuing and consolidating the peace and reconciliation process.

At the UN, Mr Sayeed will present the PDP's position paper on the self-rule formula as the final, viable and realistic solution to the Kashmir issue. The proposal encompassed three vital elements -- political satisfaction, economic empowerment and fulfilling regional aspirations -- to work out a final solution to the Kashmir issue with sufficient guarantees.

However, the PDP's self-rule formula has evoked severe criticism from several political parties in the state, including the alliance partner Congress, main opposition National Conference and the BJP.

The first Muslim Union Home Minister of independent India would also be the first Kashmiri to represent the country at the UN as the head of the non-official delegation.

During his ten-day stay in New York, the PDP leader would meet a cross section of world leaders.

UNI

Related Stories