PDP threatens to join ''people's movement'' in Kashmir

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today threatened to join ''the people's movement'' if the government continued its repressive policies against the peaceful demonstrators who have launched a non-violent agitation for the resolution of the Kashmir issue in the valley.

Launching a blistering attack against the authorities for adopting a dual policy while dealing with the present political turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir regions, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said if the security forces tried to ''suppress the peaceful struggle'' in the valley, her party would have no option but to support the people.

''Supression is no remedy to the present crisis, which can be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means,'' she further stated.

''Any mistake to crush the movement should not be made,'' she said.

Ms Mufti welcomed the announcement of the United Jehad Council, an amalgam of 13 militant groups in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to suspend terror operations in the state, stating that it was the right movement for the Centre to address the Kashmir issue.

''We are with you (the Centre) as long as the issue is resolved through dialogue and amicably,'' she said.

The PDP chief said her party had already put forward a number of suggestions for the resolution of the Kashmir isssue, including withdrawal of troops, joint council, self-rule and dual currency.

She also lauded former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf for taking bold and innovative steps regarding resolution of the Kashmir issue. He was the first Pakistani leader who advocated out of the box solution for the issue. It was during his reign that peace process made a lot of progress.

She said the government must intiate dialogue with all the concerned parties so that the peace process gets a further push.

Ms Mufti severely criticised former Chief Minister and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, stating that his authoritirian functioning created chaos in the entire state.

She claimed that the proposal for the allotment of land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) was opposed atleast four times in the Cabinet by her party. However, Mr Azad and Lt Gen S K Sinha were determined to get it passed.

The leader blamed that opportunist politicans were trying to vitiate the atmosphere in the state.

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