Islamabad (Anantnag), Dec 2: Opposition People's Democratic Party Thursday accused the ruling National Conference of pushing the youth into another gory era of militancy by pursuing its age-old oppressive tactics.
"Gun culture erupted in 1989, just two years after the formation of NC government in the state following the infamous rigged elections of 1987. Similar situation has emerged in Kashmir valley these days as the government has been pushing the youth to the wall due to its oppressive policies," PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said addressing a meeting of the party’s district committee of Islamabad (Anantnag).
Mehbooba said strong-arm methods have never succeeded in defeating an idea and it is tragic that the government is refusing to learn from its past mistakes.
Accusing the NC government of doing the opposite of what it says in public, she said, "Government's statements do not match with its actions and it is very much evident from the fact that despite directions from the court, political prisoners have been rearrested on fake charges," she said and quoted instance of Bar Association president Mian Abdul Qayoom who was released on the direction of the Court but rearrested in Jammu. “If government can treat Main Abdul Qayoom in such a way what would be its response with the commoners?’ she asked.
She said the "uninterrupted" use of the "draconian methods" was proving counter-productive. "Due to its oppressive policies this regime has shattered peoples faith in the democracy," PDP chief said.
She said while the government itself had set an agenda of reviewing AFSPA, reduction of troops and release of prisoners only the reverse of these objectives was being followed. Many people have run away from their homes fearing arrest, torture and extortion, she said and observed “it seems arrests have been turned into an industry and the political brokers to benefit from”.
She said that PDP led regime had not only started the process of peace and reconciliation but also revived peoples’ faith in the democratic institutions. “It was result of this policy that over 60 percent voters had cast their vote in the 2008 assembly elections”, she reminded.
PD general secretary Muhammad Dillawar Mir also addressed the meeting.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Dec 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Dec 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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