PDP's self-rule document to be made public soon: Mufti

Bandipora, May 14 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said his party would soon make its self-rule document public so that a broad roadmap was laid to resolve the long-festering Kashmir issue.

''The self-rule, when implemented fully, will not only address the basic grievances and aspirations of the people of the state, but also outline the incentives and instruments for resolving both the internal and external dimensions of the Kashmir issue,'' he said.

Addressing a public meeting here, Mr Sayeed said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have a vital role ahead in shaping up, not only their own destiny but of the entire region.

He said the PDP's self-rule proposal, besides taking care of the political and constitutional concerns of the people of the state, also accords highest priority to economic rejuvenation of Jammu and Kashmir in proportion to the legendary place it has in the South Asian region as a medieval business hub.

The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said the most striking feature of the self-rule was its emphasis on a space of dignity and opportunity for the people of the state in the South Asian region free from friction and feud.

''My optimism of a peaceful and progressive Jammu and Kashmir, reflected in self-rule, emanates from the basic oneness of the people of the sub-continent dominating all other considerations in an atmosphere of goodwill,'' he added.

Mr Sayeed said the people in general and contemporary young generation in particular had suffered immensely because of the continuing conflict and the time has come for Jammu and Kashmir to heal its wounds and regain the pride place, it once had, on the economic and intellectual map of the world.

Rejecting the basket-case perception of the state, he said given its rich natural and human resources, the state's economic distress was more because of a conspiracy of circumstances that the lack of development inputs.

''I strongly believe that in next few years, Jammu and Kashmir will come out of the shadows of economic isolation providing our young generation a level playing field for the much-needed growth,'' the PDP leader said.

Reiterating the PDP's stand on declaring Jammu and Kashmir a free-trade zone, he said as a logical corollary to the increased accessibility to the state by rail, road and air transport and opening of trans-LoC movement of people and goods, this becomes even more practicable and full of opportunities.

''The PDP's vision of a politically stable, economically viable and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir can be converted into a reality with a joint and concerted effort by the Union and the state government, the public and private sector, multilateral funding, foreign direct investment and last but not the least participation by the people of the state,'' Mr Sayeed added.

He said Bandipora is a historic town connecting the Kashmir valley with the traditional Silk Route.

The former Union Home Minister called for reopening of Bandipora-Gurez-Astoor-Gilgit road connecting Kashmir with Kashghar to rejuvenate the Valley's historic and traditional connection with Central Asia and Chinese Turkistan.

UNI