PDP in ruling coalition only to change J

Srinagar, Apr 16 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the participation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Congress-led coalition government was not a device for power-sharing, but an act of hope for pursuing the people-oriented agenda to mould the state's destiny.

Addressing a series of meetings of party workers from Devsar, Shangus and Wachi constituencies here this morning, the PDP patron said the time has come when people of the state must embark together in the common quest for dignity, peace and prosperity.

''The peace process initiated in April 2003 is now heading for a logical conclusion of lasting and dignified peace for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire region,'' he added.

Mr Sayeed said the future was full of great opportunities and so were the challenges. The expectations of the people were high and the time was most appropriate and feasible for the much-needed breakthrough on the Kashmir issue, he added.

He said PDP workers have a historical role ahead because the party has, in a very short period, emerged as the genuine and authentic voice of the state.

''Being in touch with ground realities, the PDP has articulated the people's aspirations in the most responsible and responsive manner and never compromised on its principles,'' Mr Sayeed said.

In the common quest for a dignified resolution of the Kashmir issue, he said PDP workers must prepare themselves to discharge great responsibility.

The former Chief Minister said when the PDP was formed in 1999, the people of the state at that time suffered from a feeling of deep hopelessness, strong alienation, cynical aloofness and complete lack of faith in democratic and political processes.

At that crucial juncture, when there was all-round despair, the PDP came forward to espouse its agenda of peace, dialogue, reconciliation and resolution and pursued these with an unwavering stance, he added.

''Fortunately, not only the people of the state, but the leadership of India and Pakistan, understood and appreciated this rejuvenating and hopeful political movement and responded to the party's agenda in good measure,'' Mr Sayeed said.

The PDP does not claim that dramatic and momentous changes in the state's and region's political scenario were entirely and solely its doing, the party takes modest satisfaction for the crucial role it played in this enterprise of hope, he maintained.

Mr Sayeed said the PDP would, with all sincerity and full force, continue to push its agenda for peaceful and dignified settlement of the Kashmir issue. The PDP would never compromise on its principled agenda and the party was pursuing the same with conviction and consistency, he added.

''We have seen enough tragedies and would never allow anybody to compromise the people's honour and dignity for petty political gains,'' the PDP patron asserted.

The former Union Home Minister said the very philosophy behind the constitution of the PDP was to rid the people of Jammu and Kashmir of the exploitative and manipulative politics, largely responsible for the state's present woes.

UNI