Assembly polls crucial to safeguard Kashmir interests: PDP

Srinagar, Oct 27 (PTI) Opposition PDP today said the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, beginning next month, would be crucial to safeguard the interests of the state, in the resolution of the problem and in securing the rights of the people "within the Union".

"The implications of the upcoming elections are beyond government formation and the results would be crucial to safeguarding interests of the state, resolution of Kashmir problem and securing the rights of Jammu and Kashmir within the Union," PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said addressing party workers here. Sayeed said the elections offer a "historic opportunity" to the people of the state to assert their identity, political rights and constitutional distinction.

"Upcoming elections are crucial in many senses and the people could utilise this opportunity to assert their democratic rights to give a positive turn to the situation which has witnessed deterioration during last six years," he said.

The PDP patron said his party provides a platform for reconciliation, resolution and reconstruction and if voted to power it would carry forward the mission for peace and dignity that it had undertaken in 2002 when it first came to power.

The former chief minister said the grey areas in the political scene of the state have disappeared and the people were now fully aware about the performance of every party seeking their votes. "I hope the vote this time is used with wisdom and discretion so as to elect a party with a clear majority which can address the challenges facing the state," he said.

Cautioning the people against fragmentation of votes, Sayeed said it was important to convey a message of unity and political maturity in order to grapple with the challenges and problems facing the state.

PTI