Srinagar, Feb 2: After seeking resignation of Education Minister Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed over the unfair means controversy, Independent MLA Engineer Rashid Thursday demanded a CBI probe into the matter.
“Every day fresh revelations come to fore in different newspapers but Peerzada instead of resigning uses pressure tactics on officials and politicians to dilute the issue. Now the need is that the minister should be arrested and CBI should enquire the matter,” Rashid said addressing a press conference here.
 He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wasn’t serious to investigation the matter against the minister. “If Omar is serious to fight against corruption then he should tell the accused minister to step down,” he added.
 The MLA also hit at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, CPI (M) leader Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami and separatist leadership for their ‘silence’ over the issue. “The fraud in the education is the real issue and leaders have the duty to talk about it. But they are tight-lipped over the issue which is problematic for common masses,” Rashid said.
 The controversy came to fore after Greater Kashmir revealed that the State’s Education Minister allegedly in connivance with then BOSE officials managed to get his son qualify matriculation examination through unfair means.
 While hitting at PDP, Rashid said the party should clarify its agenda vis-à-vis their public and political affairs. “If they (PDP leaders) are serious in solving the issues the public is facing then they should react in Peerzada’s case. Blaming CM’s credibility won’t work this time,” he said.
 The MLA asked the coalition Government at the Center to stop supporting the tainted minister in Jammu and Kashmir in order to save its image among Kashmiris. “Why New Delhi has double standards when it comes to Kashmir? If New Delhi can take action against Yeddyurappa, Jayalalitha, Suresh Kalmadi and Kanimozhi, why not Peerzada?” he questioned.
 “This is not AFSPA that it needs some kind of consultation with Army and Home Minister, CM is enough for it,” he said.
 Replying to a query whether he faced any political pressure over the issue, he said, “It’s not the right time to talk about that but I definitely faced pressures from various quarters.”

Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 2 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 IST