Srinagar, June 19: Political parties reacted differently to the invitation from the Government of India for a meeting with the PM on June 24 in New Delhi.
People’s Democratic Party president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said she has got a call to attend the meet. However, Mufti said she is “yet to receive the formal invitation for the meeting.”
“I have received a call for the all-party meet on June 24 but not a formal invitation,” Mufti said.
Mehbooba said that the PDP would hold a Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting on Sunday to decide on New Delhi’s invitation for the all-party meet.
“We will assemble and discuss what needs to be done. The party will take the final decision only after getting consensus from the PAC members,” Mufti said.
National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi also confirmed getting a call for an all-party meet on June 24 with the Prime Minister in New Delhi.
“We need to discuss it and take the final call,” Masoodi said.
As per media reports, the Home department is also likely to send a formal invitation to all the political parties for the meeting slated on June 24.
It is for the first time since 2019 that the Government of India has reached out to the political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Most of these leaders were detained for more than one year after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
Confirming that they have received a call to be part of the scheduled meeting, Apni Party leaders said they would be attending the meeting next week. “We’ve got the call and will be attending the meeting on June 24,” JKAP general secretary Rafi Ahmad Mir said.
Apni Party will also hold a meeting on June 21, which will be attended by all its senior leaders to discuss political development and centre’s invitation to political parties of Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president G A Mir has also received a call for the scheduled meeting.
“The Union Home Secretary has informed him (Mir) today afternoon. The party shall take a view on the issue of participation in consultation with senior leadership in a couple of days,” JKPCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said.
Speaking with the Greater Kashmir, Bharatiya Janata Party Jammu and Kashmir unit president Ravinder Raina also confirmed their participation in the meeting. Raina said he was confident “that all invited leaders will attend the important meeting with the PM.”
It is learnt from reliable sources that the amalgamation of political parties, the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) will be holding discussions on New Delhi’s invitation for talks.
“The PAGD will be meeting in the next few days to put forth its point of view on the invitation. The president of the PAGD has been made aware about the developments,” said PAGD spokesperson M Y Tarigami.
The CPI (M) has also received a call for the meeting next week, said Tarigami.
It may be mentioned that on June 9, the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration held a meeting about the current political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sajad Lone-led People’s Conference (PC) also confirmed receiving an invitation for the meeting.