Kashmiris not with a begging bowl, valley has resources to sustain

Srinagar, Jun 9 (UNI) Declaring that the valley in particular has immense human and other resources to sustain its economy, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an alliance partner in the government said that nobody should be under the illusion that Kashmiris are out with a begging bowl for their day to day needs.

Addressing the party workers from Baramulla and Budgam here today PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said like other citizens of the country, people of Jammu and Kashmir have equivalent rights over the nation's resources.

''Whatever we get from Delhi is our due and not any Khairat (dole),'' Ms Mehbooa said in her reaction to BJP state president Ashok Khajuria statement against the people of Kashmir.

She said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have joined India as equals and they have to be treated like that.

The PDP president said the State in general and the valley in particular has immense human, agriculture, horticulture, tourism, handicraft, water and mineral resources that are more than enough to sustain its economy.

She said even during the worst times of turmoil, not only did the Kashmir valley sustain its economy, but even kept it growing given its rich and strong resource base.

Lashing out at Mr Khajuria for his alleged remarks against the Kashmiris, Ms Mufti said ''such reprehensible utterances are the outcome of a diseased and extremely prejudicial mindset''.

She made it clear that the funds coming to the state from the center are not doles, as is being given to understand by Mr Kahjuria, she said these are entitled devolution's like other states of the country.

UNI