Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Apr 9 : Peoples Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said no government at the Centre can revoke Article 370 and the special position of Jammu and Kashmir within the country is non-negotiable.
"Whichever government comes (at the Centre), the special position of Jammu and Kashmir is non-negotiable. Something has to be given and not taken. No one can take away this (Article 370) from us," he told reporters here.
In its election manifesto, the BJP said it is committed to abrogation of Article 370, saying if it comes to power, it will hold talks with all stakeholders. Asked if his party will enter into an alliance with the BJP after the polls, Sayeed said he does not need to testify for it.
"I do not need to testify for it. But will say that the peace process started by the then NDA government, led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had shown the way which is still being followed," he said.
The former Chief Minister said there is need to win the hearts and minds of people of the state. "Gun is no option. We have to win the hearts and minds of the people. We have to have a roadmap to give a place of respect and identity to Jammu and Kashmir," he said. The PDP patriach also criticised the National Conference -Congress alliance, saying the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has worsened under its rule. "Unfortunately, whenever the NC-Congress alliance happened, the situation in the state worsened. In 1987, after the NC-Congress alliance, militancy erupted. Now again, after this coalition came into existence there has been no year that has been good for the state.
"Afzal Guru (Parliament attack convict) was hanged last year. Was there no one else for the UPA to hang? The hanging has increased the alienation of the people," Sayeed said. |
