PDP to make institutional arrangements for empowering all regions: Mufti

Scoop News June 10, 2012

Jammu, June 10 (Scoop News) – Patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today emphasized on the need of addressing internal dimension of the Kashmir issue to establish lasting peace in the State and to accelerate the process of development in all regions and sub-regions. He, however, said that Self-Rule-the vision document of PDP, has potential of address both the external and internal dimension of the Kashmir problem.

Addressing a function which was organized to felicitate Kuljeet Singh, who has recently joined PDP, Mufti said that the self-rule proposal of his party was a road map to make institutional arrangements for empowering region and sub-regions of the State. He further said that self-rule aims at creating regional federalism to fulfill wishes and aspirations of all regions and sub-regions of the State.

Terming Self-Rule as practical solution to address both external and internal dimensions of Kashmir problem, he said this proposal was formulated by incorporating aspirations and wishes of all stake holders. “This proposal aimed at empowering people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh without discrimination with any reason”, he said and asserted that PDP was committed to provide justice to all regions and sub-regions. “During our tenure, we had treated all regions equally and decentralized powers at grass loot level by political and economically empowering all regions and sub-regions”, he reminded.

Reiterating his resolve to remove regional disparities, the former Chief Minister said his government had set an example of equitable and balanced development in Jammu and Kashmir. “Credit goes to the PDP led regime that first time after 1947, all regions were treated equally in developmental and other activities”, he maintained and added that it was after 2002 successfully efforts were made to empower all regions to remove the sense of inequality and discrimination. “Jammu and Ladakh regions were made involved in the decision making process” he said.

“During our regime Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had sanctioned a amount of Rs 24000 crore for the development of the State. Furthermore Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other institutions had also released huge developmental funds for the State”, he said, adding, “funds were equally distributed among all regions and sub-regions”.

Throwing light on Self-Rule document, Mufti said that PDP demanding that Jammu and Kashmir should be declared as free economic zone. “Jammu and Kashmir should become a model among the SAARC countries by declaring this state as free economic zone", he said.

On solving all bilateral issues with Pakistan, Mufti said that civil society in Pakistan has given encouraging response to the dialogue and reconciliation process and it is high time to avail this opportunity. He added that even the military establishment in Pakistan has realized that they have no other option but to strengthen relations with India. “There are some hawkish elements in both the countries but there is a need to encourage only pro-peace forces in this region”, he said.

Mufti added that PDP was formed with an aim to restore peace and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “I was comfortable in the Congress but we formed PDP with an aim of restoring lasting peace in this region”, he said and sought support of every section of the society to fulfill this dream.

He said that PDP is not merely a political party but a movement to change the system. He said that biggest achievement of PDP is that this party has earned credibility of the people in short span of time.

“Some forces had launched a vicious campaign against PDP”, he said and but hastened to add that PDP through its convictions and commitments has proved all such malicious campaigns wrong.

Speaking on the occasion Kuljeet Singh said that he has decided to join the PDP due to policies and programmes of the party. He said that only a statesman like Mufti Mohammad Sayeed can solve problems of all regions and sub-regions of the state.

Thakur Balbir Singh, Daman Bhasin, Shanti Devi and others senior leaders also spoke on the occasion.

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