Will foil any attempt to dilute distinct identity of J&K:Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent
RAMBAN, Nov 17:The People’s Democratic Party today said that it would thwart any attempt aimed at diluting the distinct identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The forces working to damage the distinct identity of Jammu and Kashmir have to be defeated at any cost. It is only PDP that has the capability and power to take such elements head-on with the support of the people,” said, PDP patron and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed while addressing an election rally here today.
He said his party with an “inclusive agenda” has emerged as a “credible cementing force” between regions, religions and communities of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Connecting people living in different regions of the State with each other in order to take Jammu and Kashmir to newer heights of development, growth and peace, has been among the top priorities of the PDP,” he said.
He claimed that a sizable population of Gujjar community living in the Chenab Valley has remained without any representation and promised that PDP will bring them into its structure so that their feelings of deprivation are addressed.
Mufti said the development and progress of the state was impossible unless everybody was taken onboard and it is with this aim the PDP has been trying to bridge the gaps among the communities and regions by acting as a credible cementing force.
“There is urgency that we all work together at this point of time and make a fresh beginning to make Jammu and Kashmir a model state in the country,” he said.
Mufti appealed to the voters to give a decisive mandate to the PDP in the forthcoming elections.
“You have to give PDP a full support in the Assembly elections so as to allow translating our agenda on the ground,” he said.
Mufti also claimed that the people living in the entire region were facing immense problems due shortage of ration, kerosene oil, LPG and other essential commodities.
“Due to non-availability of ration in Government depots people have been facing a lot of hardships. The entire region is facing scarcity of ration but the situation is very bad in the remote areas,” he said.
“People living in the mountainous area are also facing huge problems due to lack of sufficient health care facilities, road connectivity and drinking water and the PDP will work with seriousness to resolve all these issues,” Mufti said.
On this occasion senior party leader Naeem Akhtar, district president Ab Ahad Wani, candidate for Ramban Constituency Swami Raj Bhagat were also present and spoke to the gathering.