Kulgam, July 21: Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party Patron, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, Thursday said that his party was instrumental in changing the mindset of the right-wing political parties of the country on the Kashmir issue.
“Before we took over the reigns in 2002, no political party in the state or centre talked of resolution of Kashmir issue. But our party made the then BJP government, which has always been known for its rigid stance, to realize that resolution of Kashmir issue was imperative for peace and stability of the country and the region as a whole,” said Mufti while addressing a gathering in this South Kashmir township.
Mufti said it was because of the efforts of his party that the then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and his deputy LK Advani announced that Kashmir issue needs to be addressed through a dialogue process and the ongoing Indo-Pak dialogue process was practically initiated by his party.
Advocating that the self rule envisaged by his party was the viable solution to the Kashmir issue, Mufti said, “Self rule guarantees peace with dignity and honor to the oppressed Kashmiris. It will bring people out of the siege and break all barriers as it favors opening of all routes from the state which were operational prior to 1947.”
He said that the self rule guarantees people to govern themselves and making Kashmir an economic free zone.
Mufti reiterated that while his party would like to see the state ushering towards prosperity and development but the resolution of Kashmir issue will be its foremost goal.
Castigating the NC led government for ‘reversing’ the efforts of his party in bringing peace in the state, Mufti said, “When we took over no body talked of water, electricity, roads, schools, colleges or universities but every one was concerned about his safety and security as there was no rule of law. Army, Task Force and government gunmen were ruling the state and youth were subjected to torture and harassment. But our government not only ensured sense of security, honor and dignity but also simultaneously carried forward the developmental initiatives.”
He, however, said that the present regime has reversed all the hard work done by his party.
“Once again youth are being subjected to harassment and detained under draconian laws for even mourning the death of their nears and dears. The projects like the development of Aharbal tourist resort and up-gradation of Khannabal-Pahalgam road undertaken by our party have been left midway. There is no visible development in any sector whether it is social sector, health, education or tourism. The construction of roads under centre sponsored re-construction program has been shelved and the money for it is used to fill the coffins of the ministers,” Mufti rued.
He added that there was no accountability in the state and corruption was ruling the roost. Mufti also blamed the NC for bartering away the water resources and power projects of the state to centre and vowed to fight on the issue.

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