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| Dark era of sponsored politics is over: Baig | | Self Rule document to be made public soon: Mufti | |
Bandipora, May 14 – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said the party would soon make its Self Rule document public that lays out the broad roadmap for amicable and ultimate settlement of the Kashmir issue. "The Self Rule, when implemented fully, would not only address the basic grievances and aspirations of the people of the State, but would also outline the incentives and instruments for resolving, both the internal and external dimensions of the issue," he said.
Addressing an impressive public meeting here today, Sayeed said the people of Jammu & Kashmir have a vital role ahead in shaping up, not only their own destiny but that of the whole region. He said PDP's Self Rule proposal, besides taking care of the political and constitutional concerns of the people of the State, also accords highest priority to economic rejuvenation of Jammu & Kashmir in proportion to the legendary place it has in the South Asian region as a medieval business hub. He said the most striking feature of the Self Rule is its emphasis on a space of dignity and opportunity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir in the South Asian region free from friction and feud. "My optimism of a peaceful and progressive Jammu & Kashmir, reflected in Self Rule, emanates from the basic oneness of the people of the sub-continent dominating all other considerations in an atmosphere of goodwill," he said.
Sayeed said the people of the State in general and our contemporary young generation in particular has suffered immensely because of the continuing conflict and the time has come for Jammu & Kashmir to heal its wounds and regain the pride place, it once had, on the economic and intellectual map of the world. Rejecting the basket-case perception of the State, he said given its rich natural and human resources, the State's economic distress is more because of a conspiracy of circumstances that the lack of development inputs. "I strongly believe that in the next few years, Jammu & Kashmir will come out of the shadows of economic isolation providing our young generation a level playing field for the much-needed growth," he maintained.
Reiterating PDP's stand on declaring Jammu & Kashmir a free-trade zone, Sayeed said as a logical corollary to the increased accessibility to the State by rail, road and air transport and opening of trans-LoC movement of people and goods, this becomes even more practicable and full of opportunities. "PDP's vision of a politically stable, economically viable and self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir can be converted into a reality with a joint and concerted effort by the Union and the State Government, the public and private sector, multilateral funding, foreign direct investment and last but not least participation by the people of the State," he said.
Sayeed said Bandipora is a historic town connecting Kashmir valley with the traditional Silk Route. He called for reopening of Bandipora-Gurez-Astoor-Gilgit road connecting Kashmir with Kashghar to rejuvenate the valley's historic and traditional connection with Central Asia and Chinese Turkistan.
Addressing the meeting senior PDP leader, Muzaffar Hussain Baig said the party has completely transformed the State's political scenario uprooting the manipulative and sponsored politics. He said the State's political scenario has undergone phenomenal transformation after 2002 elections and this transition would culminate with the complete sway of the genuine political voices in the State. This political cleansing process, he said must start from Bandipora that suffered the most at the hands of the rogue elements suppressing its rich intellectual voices all these years. "But this reign of oppression is going to die its own death and Bandipora would soon regain its glory on the political and intellectual scene of the State," he said and added that in the emerging scenario only those politicians would survive who have the public support at their back.
Baig said Bandipora was the most deserving area for the grant of the district status given its geographical and geopolitical importance. He said by granting district status to Bandipora, the Coalition Government has not only fulfilled the long-pending demand of the people of the area, but has also provided the town an opportunity to regain its pristine glory. He said by fulfilling this long pending demand, the Government has empowered the people of the area, who, otherwise remained neglected all these years.
PDP leader and MLC Nizam-ud-Din Bhat also addressed the meeting. Prominent Gujjar leader Mian Javed was also present on the occasion.
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