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Kashmir : PDP’s self-rule concept |
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The People’s Democratic Party, a constituent of the ruling coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, has released the draft of its self-rule concept. It provides a package that takes care of not only external and internal dimensions of the Kashmir issue, but also its geographical aspects.
The draft, released in Jammu on Feb. 18, provides for full empowerment of the people of the state, guaranteed under the Instrument of Accession and Art. 370. The Chairman of the Drafting Committee, former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussein Beig, said the draft extends to all regions of the state providing them scope for fulfilling their aspirations.
Beig said self-rule could not sustain itself without a fair and realistic degree of self-reliance. It will, therefore, entail a policy and action of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible economic and human development, mobilisation and utilisation of the resources of the state, and a reliable and substantial fiscal support by the Centre. The meeting observed that Kahsmiri pandits have an important role to play in the state and steps need to be taken for their return and rehabilitation in the valley.
PDP’s demand for special cabinet meeting turned down
The Congress, the dominant partner in the ruling coalition, has reportedly turned down PDP’s demand for a special meeting of the Cabinet to discuss the issue of pull out of armed forces from Kashmir and repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Health Minister Mangat Ram Sharma said in Jammu on Feb. 22 that it was not possible at present to meet the demand of PDP patron Mufti Mohd. Sayeed on the issue. He said the Congress high command may invite the Mufti to Delhi to discuss the issue. On the other hand, PDP’s Muzaffar Hussein Beig said the issue would be settled in the next few days, otherwise the media would get some “big news.” He refused to clarify if it meant that the PDP could go to the extent of pulling out of the coalition on the issue.
However, the PDP clarified that it is not pressing for instant demilitarization, but favours gradual withdrawal of troops.
Meanwhile, hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani has said that Pakistan should leave the Kashmiris alone instead of taking what he called hasty steps to achieve peace in the region. Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Feb. 23, he said Pakistan policy had harmed the cause of Kashmir globally. Geelani reportedly conveyed his view to Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri at their meeting on May 22.
Apart from Geelani, Kasuri also met other separatist leaders including moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. He told them that Islamabad and New Delhi were working towards increasing people to people contacts between the divided parts of Kashmir. Kasuri told the Mirwaiz that India and Pakistan were now by and large on the same wave length over Kashmir.
Baglihar : Pakistan not to move for arbitration
The Pakistan government has informed the country’s National Assembly that India’s design of the Baglihar Hydro Electric Project on the Chenab river met international standards and Islamabad has no plans to move for arbitration to question the World Bank neutral expert’s verdict. Water Ministry officials briefed members of the National Assembly on these lines on Feb. 21. Earlier, reports had said that Pakistan may move for arbitration as it was not happy with the neutral expert’s go ahead for the Baglihar project.
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