IRFAN TRAMBOO

SRINAGAR

PDP Patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed addressing a press conference in Srinagar. (Pic: Bilal Bahadur)
PDP Patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed addressing a press conference in Srinagar. (Pic: Bilal Bahadur)

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed Friday praised the initiatives taken by former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Kashmir though he said that the initiatives taken under ‘Insaniyat Kay Dayray Mein’ could not be institutionalized. However Mufti made it clear that his party will not forge any coalition with BJP.

Addressing a press conference here at his Gupkar residence, Mufti said that his party PDP tried to bridge the gap between people of Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi.

“Vajpayee understood our healing touch policy and he was the first Indian PM to hold direct talks with separatists,” Mufti said. Answering a question about the possible alliance with BJP, he was quick to add “No, we won’t form any alliance with BJP but will approach every party for Kashmir which so ever comes to power in New Delhi.”

“Last six years put people of Jammu and Kashmir in trouble again, we had succeeded in making people trust democratic institutions but the present coalition made needle of suspicion work again,” he said.

Mufti, who was flanked by party Parliament election contestants, said that Jammu and Kashmir being the crown of India needed to be handled carefully. “If this is the core of nationhood, then they should know how to manage state like J&K,” he said.

Mufti said that the new government that comes to power in New Delhi will have no alternative but to extend hand of friendship to Pakistan. “We have no other option but to extend hand of friendship to Pakistan,” he said. Adding, “NDA government did some good work in this regard but alas the things could not be institutionalised.”

Mufti said that Muslim majority nature of Jammu and Kashmir adds to secular nature of India but New Delhi should take proper steps to address the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir. “In democracy we can’t stop our adversaries. Hurriyat symbolizes a view point and government of India should engage them,” he said.

Mufti Sayeed held the National-Congress coalition responsible for the hanging of Afzal Guru. He said that it is the biggest tragedy that shook Kashmiris to core of their hearts. “UPA ko kis kis ko khush karna tha, mujay pata nahi. The state coalition is responsible for the hanging of Afzal,” he said, adding, “How was he hanged when his number was 28.”

Mufti Sayeed introduced his party candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He said that PDP put all its efforts to come forward with able candidates for the upcoming elections. “We think they can put best efforts to discuss and influence the Indian parliament on Kashmir issue,” he said. “We will ensure that a special session on Kashmir is held.”

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