Mufti is Musharraf's ambassador in JK: Bhim Singh

Srinagar, Apr 4: Panthers Party chairman Prof Bhim Singh today described former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as an ''ambassador'' of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, saying the PDP patron was strictly carrying the military ruler's message in the state. ''Mr Sayeed is pursuing Gen Musharraf's agenda of self-rule and demilitarisation in Jammu and Kashmir. He is strictly carrying the Pakistan President's message and acts as his ambassador in the state,'' he told a news conference here.

Prof Bhim Singh claimed that the PDP, a ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir, has launched a non-cooperation campaign against the Ghulam Nabi Azad government in the state.

''Since Mr Azad became the Chief Minister, the PDP has started a non-cooperation campaign against him. The PDP is not cooperating at all on important issues,'' he added.

The Panthers Party chief termed as ''totally absurd and a false propaganda'' the allegations by the PDP that the armed forces were occupying agricultural and orchard land besides private and government buildings, including schools, in the state.

The PDP has started a tirade against the armed forces to project Gen Musharraf's agenda with an intention to ''browbeat'' the Centre and exploit the sentiments of the people of the state, he added.

Prof Bhim Singh said Mr Sayeed remained the Unified Command chairman for three years and never raised the issues of troop withdrawal and revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

''Now these jargon have become the PDP's mission. This has been done only to project Pakistan's agenda to weaken the nationalist forces in Jammu and Kashmir,'' he alleged.

The Panthers Party chairman said Gen Musharraf should first withdraw Army from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit and then talk of demilitarisation in this part of India.

UNI