J&K coalition crisis averted; PDP satisfied with Centre

Srinagar, Mar 31 (UNI) The two-month-long crisis that had put a question mark on the survival of the Congress-led coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir has finally blown over with a ''satisfied'' Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today deciding to stay in the ruling alliance.

The Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the highest decision- making body of the PDP, met here today to discuss the Centre's response to the party's demands for taking various initiatives to provide relief to the hard-pressed people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The initiatives aim at measured and responsible reduction and redeployment of the armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir, repeal of the Armed Force (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and vacation of the civilian and institutional properties in use by the security forces for the past several years in the state.

At the end of the meeting, the PAC unanimously passed a resolution, appreciating UPA chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for taking a very sensitive, impassionate, understanding and enlightened view of the prevailing situation in the troubled state.

''It has been the considered view of the PDP that the adoption and practice of the healing touch policy by the coalition government, right from its inception, has, in great measure, resulted in the growing engagement and involvement of the people in the political and democratic processes,'' the resolution noted.

It said the healing touch policy has materially altered the ground situation and has helped create conducive atmosphere for initiation and continuation of the process of dialogue within the state as well as with Pakistan for a just and durable resolution of the Kashmir issue.

In the PDP's view, the healing touch policy and the initiatives to provide redressal and relief to the people is at the core of the process of governance as enshrined in the coalition government's Common Minimum Programme. It is heartening to note that the PDP's demands and its viewpoint were considered by the Government of India and the UPA leadership at the highest level, in a most gracious and dignified manner, the resolution said.

''The PDP notes with satisfaction that the attitude and the decision of the central leadership on the issues raised by the party reflects a clear commitment and deep sincerity on their part, to address the people-oriented issues in the state and pave the way for a more meaningful and constructive process of dialogue and reconciliation,'' it added.

In PDP's view, the PAC said the positive and constructive response to its demands was a matter of great satisfaction for all the political parties and the people of all persuasions in Jammu and Kashmir. ''Any measure that alleviates the sufferings of the people and gives them a sense of belonging and security is a welcome contribution to the ongoing task of peace and reconciliation in the state,'' it added.

The PDP resolved to place on record its appreciation for the central leadership, particularly Ms Gandhi and the Prime Minister for taking a very sensitive, impassionate, understanding and enlightened view of the prevailing situation in the state.

''The PDP acknowledges the sincerity of purpose shown by the central leadership while establishing a mechanism that will hopefully further improve the ground realities, inspire people's confidence in the political processes and institutions and pave the way for a just and dignified resolution of the Kashmir issue,'' the resolution said.

UNI