PDP welcomes PM's statement on minorities

Srinagar, Dec 11: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, today hailed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statement on the empowerment of minorities, particularly the Muslims.

In a statement here, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the dismaying condition of the Muslims portrayed by the Sachar Committee demands positive action for educational, social and economic development of the community.

In a democratic set-up, she said all communities and classes should have equal opportunities of development to contribute towards the national growth.

''That is exactly what the UPA government is trying to do,'' Ms Mufti said, adding that all citizens of India, irrespective of their caste, creed, colour and religion, must have equal claim on the country's resources.

Terming as ''unwarranted'' the criticism of the Prime Minister's statement by some quarters, she said by playing up the issue, these elements were creating divisions in the society.

The PDP chief said instead of creating a notion of playing elitist politics, all political parties must realise the sensitivity of the issue and help in devising schemes for the betterment of the downtrodden and minorities.

UNI

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