news details |
|
|
| PDP quietly sneaks into Jammu | | Senior leaders campaigning against polls in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Sept 21: Loosing to separatists whatever political space it had in Kashmir Valley, the Peoples Democratic Party has made a rather quiet beginning in Jammu region to test the waters –though bypassing the Jammu City.
At six senior PDP leaders, including three former Ministers –Former Finance Minister and known Jammu baiter Tariq Hameed Karra, former Horticulture Minister Mohammad Dillawar Mir and former Minister of State for Health Peer Mohammad Hussain –are currently campaigning in Jammu region. Interestingly while other parties are calling for polls, the two PDP leaders though are seeking revival of party in the region but they are intensively campaigning against elections.
Being at the center of controversy, a partner of the erstwhile ruling coalition, the Peoples Democratic Party kept away from Jammu region during nearly three months long turmoil on the issue of land transfer to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board. Stocking passions of religious sentiments and nationalism, the PDP continued to remain under the line of fire both in Kashmir and in Jammu for allegedly playing an opportunistic role in the land row as its Ministers were initially party to the land transfer decision before they started campaign for withdrawal.
During two-month long agitation, the Gandhi Nagar situated office of PDP came under the attack of agitators at least 13 times. Not only this, residences of its various local leaders including former Minister Manjit Singh came under the mob attack. Such brewing anger kept the PDP leaders away from Jammu for nearly three months barring twice when Mehbooba Mufti was escorted to Raj Bhawan by not less than 100 cops.
It is after three months that the Peoples Democratic Party has ventured into the Jammu region where it eyes some four to five seats when assembly elections are held. Interestingly, the party leaders who have embarked in the region this time are not asking for votes. Instead they are campaigning against elections. People are being sensitized that situation in the Kashmir Valley is not conducive for the elections and therefore they should wait for the right time.
Tariq Hameed Karra who is on the tour of Rajouri and Poonch districts, asked the people to work in tandem with Kaashmir Valley. Karra said the recent appalling "economic blockade" enforced against Kashmir valley, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts by the Sangh Parivar-sponsored communal elements in Jammu has only reinforced the urgency of making the Mughal Road operational at the earliest. "I have reports that some prejudiced officer in the Forest Department is making last ditch efforts to hamper the work on the road," he said and asked the Government to identify and initiate disciplinary action against the said officer who is trying to act out of turn. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
