'Dual currency system' in J

Jammu, Apr 16 (UNI) Vindicating his idea of dual currency system in Jammu and Kashmir and the PoK, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said it was his party's ''vision'' and a step towards ''reducing the gap'' between India and Pakistan.

Mr Sayeed had come under sharp criticism from all parties, including coalition partner Congress, for mooting the idea of dual currency system at a public rally in Reasi district.

Addressing a press conference, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron said he would also put his views before Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is scheduled to visit Jammu on April 25.

Asserting that he was misquoted by the media, Mr Sayeed said he had suggested for allowing currency of both India and Pakistan in separated parts of Jammu and Kashmir. ''I also meant allowing of Indian Rupee in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir,'' the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said.

Referring to a proposal of making SAARC a free economic zone, he said Jammu and Kashmir could become a model for allied counties by allowing dual currency system.

Defending his suggestion by citing the example of European Union, Mr Sayeed said, ''The dual currency system in Kashmir can be a step in the direction of having one currency among SAARC countries.'' The PDP, he said, favours ''one currency and free movement'' between separated parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

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