JK coalition crisis: Mehbooba rules out threat to Azad govt

Srinagar, Mar 21 (UNI) The crisis that had besieged the ruling alliance in Jammu and Kashmir during the past few weeks has blown over for now with PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti asserting that there was no threat to the Congress-led coalition government.

Meanwhile, the crucial meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and PDP supremo Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to sort out the differences in the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir has been rescheduled and would now be held in New Delhi tomorrow evening.

Ms Mufti's statement sets at rest, for the time being, the speculation that the PDP would withdraw from the Ghulam Nabi Azad- led coalition government if its demands for troop cut, revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and vacation of agricultural and orchard land besides private and government buildings by security forces in the state were not fulfilled.

''We are satisfied...The issues of troop withdrawal and repeal of laws giving special forces to armed forces are being discussed threadbare in New Delhi and our proposals have been taken seriously,'' the PDP president said.

She ruled out any threat to the coalition government in the state and said the Prime Minister's invite to Mr Sayeed was a result of the deliberations held among senior Congress leaders in New Delhi over the proposals put forth by the PDP.

Ms Mufti said New Delhi wanted to apprise Mr Sayeed about the developments which have taken place in the past few days and that was the reason he has been called for talks with the Prime Minister.

''We believe that the time has come for security forces to return to barracks as the situation has improved in Kashmir. We were asked to surrender our personal security if we want troop withdrawal...We have done that,'' she added.

The PDP chief said her party would remain firm on its demand for troop withdrawal from the Kashmir valley. ''Some people with vested interests are trying to divide the PDP over the issue...But I want to make it clear to them that they will not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs,'' she asserted.

Ms Mufti said when the PDP was heading the coalition government in the state, security forces were made accountable.

''But, now a free hand has been given to them (security forces) and they are not answerable to anybody,'' she claimed.

Ms Mufti also cited the recent incidents of ''atrocities'' committed by the security forces in the Kashmir valley.

''Troop withdrawal is not a political issue...It is the voice of the people whom we represent. We will not give up till our demands are fulfilled,'' she asserted.

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