Centre should act before it is too late in Kashmir: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Aug 19 (UNI) Asking the Centre to gauge the ground reality and act before it is too late, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said some elements with vested interests, opposing troop reduction in the name of security threat, tried to sabotage the opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road by setting Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) ablaz in 2005.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said those who are opposing the proposal of troops reduction always worked on the dictates of security experts and never addressed the genuine aspirations of masses in spite of being in a majority.

Armys role had to be replaced by the restoration of civil authority with police beinga part of it, she said, adding that people opposing the proposal were playing with ''political gimmicks.'' The present situation was entirely different from the turbulent years of 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1989, she noted and asked the Centre to act fast.

Addressing a party convention here today she emphasised free movement of people, goods and trade, which should lead for joint ventures across the border resulting into a holistic development of the state.

She observed that PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's vision of a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir would not bear fruit, unless, the road links across the border were not revived as before 1947.

Ms Mehbooba said the positive transformation that had taken place in the sub-continent on the Kashmir issue, was the outcome of the bold initiatives taken by Mr Sayeed, who worked on creating feasible conditions for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

She observed that revival of economic activities was a prerequisite for a thriving Kashmir.

Kashmir was the economic hub in South Asia before 1947 and in order to restore that condition, all the connecting links (roads) should be opened across the border, not only people-to-people contact but trade and other economic activities via these roads should be made a priority, she said.

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