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| Mufti says dual currency tender is visionary idea | | Pakistani currency? ‘Yes I mean it’ | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Apr 16
Taking the fresh bout of controversy –no dual currency proposal –perhaps to the point of no return, the patron of Peoples Democratic Party and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today reiterated and explained that he actually meant what is being debated in the media and political circles.
Ever since Mufti was quoted as suggesting use of Pakistan currency in Jammu and Kashmir, during his public meeting in Mahore, there had not been any official endorsement of denial from the Peoples Democratic Party. However, the statement today came straight from horse’s mouth as Mufti confirmed proposing the use of Pakistani currency here and vice versa.
Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, which was more like a PR exercise, the former Chief Minister said that he has mooted this idea for making Jammu and Kashmir a model among the countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and to facilitate trade across the Line of Control (LoC).
He observed that introducing dual currency would help in facilitate trade between both sides of Kashmir. He, however, made it clear that it was just a suggestion of his party as part of process to solve the problem. "It is only our suggestion. We don't want to impose it with one stroke", he said, adding, "It is necessity to allow currency of both India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir for flourishing of trade between two parts of Jammu and Kashmir".
"Jammu and Kashmir should become a model among the SAARC countries by allowing both Indian and Pakistani currency to operate in the state.", he said and strongly defended his suggestions by quoting the example of European Union where a time frame has been fixed for making a common currency among 40 countries for facilitating trade and business and for economic growth of all the countries.
"There is already a proposal in SAARC of making a free economic zone and Jammu and Kashmir could take the lead and become a model by allowing both Indian and Pakistani currencies here," he defended, adding, "we have a vision for Jammu and Kashmir and this a part of process for solving the problem".
Replying to question, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed that when government of India has already announced certain relaxations for bus service between both sides of Kashmir what was wrong in allowing dual currency. He reminded that even Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh while formulating modalities for cross LoC bus service, had announced concessions like movement without visa and passports across the LoC.
Quoting recent statement of Union Minister, Jairam Ramesh, who had announced custom free trade between both sides of Jammu and Kashmir through Uri-Muzaffarabad road, Mufti claimed that allowing dual currency would facilitate trade and business. "When Government of India is ready to allow cross LoC trade with out customs and there would be a strong need of allowing Pakistan currency along with that of Indian in this part of the country", he said.
Terming his proposal as visionary suggestions, PDP patron said that he would put these suggestions before Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh who is scheduled to visit the State in the last week of this month.
Former Chief Minister demanded implementation of the recommendations of the working groups constituted by the Prime Minister after round table conferences. "Working group headed by Rasgotra has already recommended custom free trade and free flow of tourists from both sides of Kashmir", he said and demanded implementation of these recommendations. He especially mentioned recommendations of the Working Group of Economic Reconstruction headed by C Ranrajan. "This working group has recommended handing over Dulhasti project to Jammu and Kashmir", he said while demanding early implementation of the suggestions. PDP patron also demanded that rehabilitation of dependents of militants as recommended by a working group. |
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