*PDP committed to welfare of rural masses: Haq
Excelsior Correspondent
Kishtwar, Nov 26: Lambasting the opposition parties for their anti-people attitude and policies, General Secretary Peoples Democratic Party Sartaj Madni today said that it was Late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and his daughter, the present Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who have given legitimacy to the political setup in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Even the National Conference and Congress are today acknowledging the fact that dialogue and settlement of Kashmir issue besides friendly relations with neighbouring countries were key for the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir”, Madni said, adding that this was the vision Late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed formulated while laying the foundation of Peoples Democratic Party.
He was addressing a well attended workers’ convention at Kishtwar. He was accompanied by Minister for RDD Abdul Haq Khan and Member of Legislative Council, Firdous Tak.
Madni said that these political parties are habitual of talking double language – one while in power and the one when they are in opposition. “Those who talk of peaceful relations with Pakistan today, were advocating all out war when they were in power. Similarly they were at national and international level dubbing the Kashmiri youth as Pakistani agents and drug peddlers. Today their tune and texture has changed as they are in opposition now”, he said.
He added that PDP has always, while in opposition and in power, advocated and followed the vision of peace with dignity. He said that the State cannot progress in the absence of peace and everything will fall in once the situation is conducive.
The formation of PDP, he said, was the first step towards legitimising political setup in Jammu and Kashmir, which till than was surrounded with doubts, distrust and uncertainties. “People had a sigh of relief when PDP took over the Government in 2002. The era is still being remembered as golden one in the State. We are happy that present Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is following the footstep of her father and PDP remains committed to the vision and policies of our Late leader”, he added.
Minister for RDD, Panchayat Raj and Law, Abdul Haq Khan said that it was always dream of PDP founder Mufti Mohammed Syeed to transform Jammu and Kashmir into island of peace so as to unleash an era of stability and development.
He said that PDP has a proven track record of creating an enabling environment for the promotion of tourism, commerce, education and creating avenues of meaningful and respectable employment opportunities for our educated youth in the State.
Khan said that PDP is for mitigating the problems of the people and the present Government is committed to make all preparation for essential services especially electricity, ration supply and water availability to the people.
He said that Peoples Democratic Party has emerged in entire J&K State as a revolutionary step toward better development and advancement of people.
He said that the development works in Rural Development Department were testimony of the Government commitment, adding that there is a clear message among the people and employees that there was no Space for corruption, nepotism and casualness in the present era.
Addressing the party workers MLC, Firdous Tak said that PDP has efficiency to work for the betterment of Chenab region. He slammed NC and Congress for its rehetorics and attempts to destabilise the present Government saying that the workers of the party stand behind the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in her efforts to bring peace and development in the State.
He also urged upon the party workers to reach out to people for a meaningful process which holds the promise for a liberal initiative, pragmatism and all possible help in the rebuilding of the agenda of development and dialogue.