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The former chief minister maintained he had extended support to PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for forming the government in the wake of the hung assembly to keep such elements out of the state.
Omar Abdullah
Former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday held his successor Mufti Mohammad Sayeed responsible for “hate attacks” in the state, claiming that the latter had “bartered everything” to save his chair.”Our Chief Minister (Sayeed) has bartered everything to save his chair. The Chief Minister is directly responsible for the attacks which have taken place in Rajouri, Udhampur or elsewhere in the state,” Omar told reporters after paying tributes to his grandfather and National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 110th birth anniversary. Omar, the working president of National Conference, was reacting to questions about the increase in attacks on Muslim transporters in Rajouri and other areas of Jammu region.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The former chief minister maintained he had extended support to PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for forming the government in the wake of the hung assembly to keep such elements out of the state.”When the election results were declared, National Conference extended a hand of friendship towards Mufti Mohamamd Sayeed with the intention of keeping such forces out of the state who only want to set the state on fire.”We had an apprehension that allowing the BJP and particularly the RSS into the state would be fraught with dangers. Unfortunately, our apprehensions have been proved correct in the nine months (of PDP-BJP government),” he said.Omar said while large scale arrests were being made in Kashmir, “these people (RSS) are holding armed rallies in Jammu and no one says anything”. On being asked about the denial of the state government to confer ‘Sher-e-Kashmir’ title on National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the leader said that the party founder was not only the tallest leader of the state but was revered in the entire country. The state government, in response to an RTI query, had said it had no record available to say who was ‘Sher-e-Kashmir in the state of Jammu and Kashmir’.Omar, however, noted that, “He (Sheikh) left an indelible impression by his political role and more than that the economic contribution he made to the state by virtue of Land to Tiller (Act) and loan waiver. “No one can have differences with the economic contribution of Sheikh Sahab even though they may differ with his politics. Jammu and Kashmir today has the least poverty and it is only because of these two steps taken by him,” he said.The Sher-e-Kashmir title has been used for the National Conference founder, with many universities, bridges, conference halls, police training institutes and several other public buildings and welfare schemes being run under this title.
Omar Abdullah said that the current situation (between India and Pakistan) was such that the two countries were not even ready to play a cricket match against each other.
Omar Abdullah said his party was in favour of dialogue, however, the current situation was not conducive for the process.
File Photo
dna Research & Archives
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday came out in defence of his father Farooq Abdullah, who had sparked a row by saying that all the army of the country cannot defend the people against militants.”My father has said the right thing. One can use weapons to a certain extent only, after that the political dialogue will have to take the process forward,” Omar told reporters on the sidelines of a party function in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.”We agree that there has been immense contribution of security forces in Kashmir but if there has to be a solution for this problem then you will have to replace force with political dialogue,” he said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Omar said his party was in favour of dialogue, however, the current situation was not conducive for the process.”We want talks to take place. We have always been in favour of finding solutions through dialogues. But the truth is that the relation between the two countries is so stressed that it is difficult to decide the level of the talks and where,” Omar said.He said that the current situation (between India and Pakistan) was such that the two countries were not even ready to play a cricket match against each other.”Even if there is a dialogue on playing a match it is being held in a third country altogether. In such a situation, the atmosphere of a dialogue doesn’t seem to be right,” he said.While advocating a meeting between the heads of the two countries, Omar said, “We want that the heads of the two countries must meet either in New Delhi or Islamabad and ease the tension and create an atmosphere of dialogue,” he said.Speaking at a seminar organised by members of civil society on Saturday, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah had said, “How much can the army defend us even if the entire army of India came to our rescue, they cannot defend us against terrorists or militants. The only way left is to hold dialogue and find a solution.”
Jammu: BJP on Saturday sought an apology from former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah for saying that PoK is part of Pakistan, and said he was “deliberately raking up” the issue in order to remain in news for his political survival.
“Probably Farooq Abdullah is either suffering from amnesia or deliberately raking up the settled issue in order to remain in news for his political survival,” BJP spokesperson Virender Gupta told reporters.
Farooq Abdullah. File photo. AFP
Gupta strongly condemned the statement the National Conference Patron made on Friday that “PoK is part of Pakistan” and will remain with it while India will continue to control its part of Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP spokesperson said Maharaja Hari Singh while signing the Instrument of Accession made the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, under his control, part of the Dominion of India.
He said Farooq Abdullah’s father Sheikh Abdullah had even endorsed the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India.
Gupta said Pakistan was an aggressor which forcibly occupied the part of Jammu and Kashmir that is presently under its occupation and that it was India which took up the matter with the UN Security Council.
He added that the Indian Parliament, in a resolution in 1994, unanimously resolved its determination to get vacated PoK, part of Jammu and Kashmir, from illegal occupation of Pakistan.
“Abdullah by his uncalled-for statement has acted against the resolution and harmed the interest of the nation and weakened India’s position on the J&K issue,” the BJP spokesperson said.
Replying to queries about the reported demand in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) of joining India, Abdullah had said on Friday, “It will never happen. It (PoK) is part of Pakistan and will remain part of Pakistan. This (Jammu and Kashmir) is India’s part and will remain part of India…”
Gupta said Abdullah must seek apology from the nation for his this blunder and set things in the right perspective. It looks like that the leaders of National Conference have been so much demoralised and frustrated that they have lost their wit and giving such irresponsible statements, he alleged.
PTI
Denouncing recent incidents of communal violence and attempts to allegedly polarise the people of the state on the lines of region and religion, Omar Abdullah said National Conference has always opposed the type of politics that is invested in the goal of dividing people for political dividends and the party would continue to confront these political forces with all its democratic and political might.
File Photo
dna Research & Archives
Alleging that seeds of divisive politics were being sown into the socio-political fabric of the state, NC leader Omar Abdullah on Saturday hit out at Chief Minister Mufti Mohmmad Sayeed, and claimed the fruits of hard-earned peace are being “wasted” by him.”The seeds of divisive politics are being sown into the socio-political fabric of the state. Both PDP and BJP have a long-cherished dream of reaping the political dividends of such divisiveness and polarisation in J&K”, he added.”Not only is this trend dangerous for the state but it also poses a great risk to peace in the entire region given that J&K’s internal political atmosphere has far-reaching external ramifications”, Omar said. He was addressing a public rally in Kishtwar in Srinagar.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Denouncing recent incidents of communal violence and attempts to allegedly polarise the people of the state on the lines of region and religion, Omar said National Conference has always opposed the type of politics that is invested in the goal of dividing people for political dividends and the party would continue to confront these political forces with all its democratic and political might.”Attempts are being made to create an atmosphere of confrontation between regions and religions. Nothing could be more condemnable and unfortunate”, he said.”The fruits of a hard-earned peace are being wasted by Mufti Sahab who has unfortunately chosen to surrender in a greater plot of divisive politics just to remain in power”, Omar further alleged.The NC Working President also expressed disappointment at the “complete failure” of the PDP-BJP government in delivering on its political and governance-related promises and said, Sayeed had squandered the people’s mandate by heading a “directionless, self-contradictory government”.”Unfortunately, if there has been any change at all in J&K, it has been a change for the worse. The comprehensive development process initiated by the previous government in all the three regions of the state has been brought to a grinding halt by the present PDP-BJP government led by Mufti Sahab”, he alleged.Omar said landmark developmental initiatives started during his tenure as the chief minister have been “put on the back burner” and the conventional, destructive attitude of politicising previously initiated developmental projects has been “reinvented” by the PDP-BJP government which ironically promised to usher the state into a new era of growth.”The abandonment of the Kishtwar Power Project by the PDP-BJP government led by Mufti Sahab has not only deprived the power-starved state of the much-needed addition in power-generation but also robbed Kishtwar of an opportunity of job creation and economic impetus”, Omar added.Omar alleged that back in 2003, Mufti Sahab did the same thing with 1,200-MW Sawlakote Power Project which would have been in the commissioning stage as of now, had Mufti Sahab looked at the cause of development beyond speeches, press statements and photo-opportunities. He said the failure of the PDP-BJP combine to fulfill its promises had led to a political deficit in the state one that could lead to a state of chaos, turmoil and uncertainty.”This government has made so many U-turns that it would be well-advised to dedicate an entire Ministry to U-turns. Every single political and economic promise made by PDP and BJP ahead of the elections stands shattered and this is disappointing”.Omar said “the mandate for governance in a democracy and especially in a state as fragile as J&K is very precious. A disillusionment and disenchantment with the system is tragic and this present Government has squandered the hopes of people in every town and village in the state”.”Modi ji had promised a drinking water pipeline to the people of Kisthwar during his public meeting here ahead of the elections and said the pipeline would be so huge that the entire Abdullah family can drive through that pipleline”.”I have driven to Kisthwar today and I had to take the road as eager as I was to drive through the water pipeline as there is no sight of a single pipe, leave alone a pipeline”, Omar said while ridiculing the “tall, unkept promises” of both PDP and BJP with the people of Kisthwar.The former chief minister reiterated that peace was imperative for progress and development of a state like Jammu and Kashmir which has undergone most turbulent phase of the history. He said National Conference will always strive for peace and tranquility and stand against those like a rock who want to disturb it for furthering their “myopic” political agenda. He said the trust and confidence of the people will further rejuvenate National Conference’s mission of selfless service and enable it to fight back all those who want to trample the distinguished character of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.He said his party will remain in the forefront to fight for the genuine cause of the people.During his 40-minute address, he also regretted over the callousness of the PDP-BJP coalition towards Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers and other segments of employees who are not being paid their wages timely.
However, the PDP rubbished the claims saying the coalition government will complete its full term as the alliance with BJP was an opportunity to bring the regions of the state closer and keep Jammu and Kashmir united.
Omar Abdullah
Opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Monday said he would not be surprised if PDP ended its alliance with BJP and formed a government in coalition with Congress and independent MLAs in Jammu and Kashmir but Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s party ruled it out.”After the Modi/Mufti accord where Mufti Sahib and his party are concerned nothing would surprise me Junaid,” Omar said in a tweet. Omar was responding to a post on twitter by National Conference spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu who claimed that there were strong rumours about PDP realigning with the Congress and some independent MLAs. “Strong rumours about PDP’s imminent realignment with the Congress and some independent legislators. Would you be surprised?” Mattu said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>However, the PDP rubbished the claims saying the coalition government will complete its full term as the alliance with BJP was an opportunity to bring the regions of the state closer and keep Jammu and Kashmir united. “The alliance with BJP was forged after proper and detailed thought by PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed after consulting all party leaders.”In view of the mandate in 2014 assembly elections, it is an opportunity as well as a big challenge to keep the state united,” PDP chief spokesman Mehboob Beg told PTI. Beg, who quit National Conference ahead of the Assembly elections, said the former chief minister should stop worrying about the coalition issues. “This coalition will complete full term. He (Omar) should stop bothering about these issues,” he added.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted that the people want “real change” and are not impressed by the Prime Minister’s functioning.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah
File Photo
PTI
The Bihar Assembly election results was a “wakeup call” for the Centre, former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday, while expressing doubts whether the BJP-led NDA government would change its functioning after the drubbing it got.”This (Bihar election results) is not just a reply to divisive or communal forces, but a wake up call for the central government as well as their policies,” he told reporters at Anantnag.The leader, who was at Anantnag in south Kashmir, for the National Conference (NC)’s workers convention, noted that the people want “real change” and are not impressed by the Prime Minister’s functioning.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>”The way the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) himself ran the campaign of the BJP and addressed more than 30 public rallies, the way BJP president (Amit Shah) stay put in Bihar, the money that they spent, the number of Central ministers who campaigned in Bihar… their programmes and their way of functioning is not liked by the people and people want a change in the real sense,” he said.Omar, however expressed his doubts about the NDA government changing its functioning for the better in the aftermath of Bihar election results.”I have doubts that neither will these divisive forces change their work, nor is the central government ready to change or better its functioning,” he said.The National Conference working president said the Bihar results, which gave almost a three-fourth majority to the Nitish Kumar-led Grand Alliance, was a befitting reply to communal and divisive forces.Speaking on the death of a youth in alleged security forces action at Zainakote here on November 8, the day the Prime Minister announced Rs 80,000 crore financial package for the state, Omar called for introspection by the government regarding the reasons behind the occurrence of such events.”The death of any youth in this manner is regrettable for all of us. However, much we condemn it, will be less. The present government will have to focus on as to why it is happening. The people, who came out, did not come out for any package,” he said.The NC leader also stressed on the need for addressing Kashmir issue politically.”The basic issue of Jammu and Kashmir is a political one. Till the time you address the issue politically, such protests will take place. And unfortunately, what we wanted to hear from the Prime Minister in Srinagar, we did not. I have this fear that instead of the situation getting any better, I see it worsening,” he said.Addressing the party workers earlier today, Omar said the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir the country’s only Muslim-majority state – felt “insecure and threatened” because of the PDP-BJP alliance and the platform given by the BJP to RSS in the state.”While the youth of Kashmir are robbed of the right to even criticize the BJP and RSS without being hounded and arrested, RSS is allowed to march with guns and swords on the streets of Jammu. What could be a more damning indictment of this government and that of Chief Minister (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed)?” he said.
Omar said this was indicative of the systematic erosion of the institution of the Chief Minister under the incumbent Chief Minister and “how despite his unending praise of the RSS and BJP the Chief Minister stands discredited and snubbed by his own ally”
Omar Abdullah
Opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “snubbing” J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed at the former’s public rally here recently.”The NC working president (Omar) condemned how the Prime Minister snubbed an elected Chief Minister during his public meeting in Srinagar when the Prime Minister said he did not require anyone’s advice on the Kashmir issue after the Chief Minister’s speech,” a statement issued by the opposition party at the end of its working committee meeting said.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>Omar said this was indicative of the systematic erosion of the institution of the Chief Minister under the incumbent Chief Minister and “how despite his unending praise of the RSS and BJP the Chief Minister stands discredited and snubbed by his own ally”. The party also passed a resolution on the issue. “The issue of Kashmir is a political issue that has foxed many great minds over generations and no single individual can claim to be bestowed by the acumen to resolve this issue single-handedly.”The Working Committee of National Conference takes serious note of the arrogance displayed by the Prime Minister during his public meeting in Srinagar wherein he said that he did not require anyone’s advice on the Kashmir Issue, thereby snubbing an elected Chief Minister,” the resolution read. The party also lamented the “systematic erosion of the institution of Chief Minister under the current, incumbent Chief Minister.”At the meeting, the former Chief Minister discussed various organizational aspects and suggestions put forth by the members of the Working Committee. He reiterated the party’s efforts to not only streamline the organizational functioning of the party but also consolidate its grassroots presence in all the three regions of the state. Omar expressed satisfaction at the party’s revitalization in Leh and Kargil. He also reiterated the party’s vision to strengthen the minority, women and youth wings of the party and increase the party’s connect with various sections of the society.
A strike was observed across the Valley to protest against Zahid’s death. Shutdown is being observed in many parts of the district in the valley.
The opposition National Conference has blamed the BJP which rules Jammu and Kashmir in alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Several hundred local residents protested in South Kashmir’s Anantnag District against the killing of a Kashmiri trucker by a mob in the Udhampur area of Jammu region on Tuesday here. Clashes also broke out between protesters and the security forces. Unrest has started in the valley since Clashes took place in Anantnag on Sunday and Monday, when Zahid’s funeral took place.A strike was observed across the Valley to protest against Zahid’s death. Shutdown is being observed in many parts of the district in the valley. Unrest has started in the valley since Clashes took pace in Anantnag on Sunday and Monday, when Zahid’s funeral took place. A strike was observed across the Valley to protest against Zahid’s death. Even today, a shutdown is being observed in many parts of the district. <!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>The opposition National Conference has blamed the BJP which rules Jammu and Kashmir in alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Mr Abdullah said it was a “needless death” in the name of beef ban for which the “BJP and its allies” were responsible. Nine men, all locals, have been arrested for the attack on Zahid. Sources say three of them belong to political parties and one is a suspended police constable.
Srinagar: Bhim Singh, chief of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) and a former legislator, on Saturday accused the BJP of stoking communal passion over beef ban to win the upcoming Bihar polls.
Representational image. AP
“The BJP is stoking communal passion on the beef ban issue to win the Bihar elections. They are back to their old tricks,” he said at a press conference here.
Asked about his views on beef ban, he said: “There is a criminal procedure code called the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) in the state which was enacted in 1864 and if you respect the law, you have to abide by it.”
He said it was strange that the National Conference and the Congress were beating their chest over the thrashing an independent MLA got at the hands of BJP legislators for holding a beef party.
He said: “When I was an MLA in 1984 during the GM Shah government which was supported by the Congress, I and another legislator, late Abdul Gani Lone would be dragged and thrown out like bags full of potatoes.”
His party has called for a protest shutdown in Jammu city on Saturday to support a beef ban in the state.
IANS
Srinagar: The National Conference today announced a boycott of the rest of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session after the Speaker suspended two of its members as Opposition protests led to chaotic scenes in the House for the second day.
NC Leader
hit out at Speaker Kavinder Gupta, saying he was “throttling” the voice of opposition after the Speaker rejected their demand for suspension of Question Hour to discuss the issue of Article 35-A, which upholds the unique status of the permanent residents of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We will boycott the rest of the session,” said Omar, who led a walkout of the partymen after the Speaker ordered eviction and suspension of Altaf Wani and Abdul Majeed Larmi for the rest of the session following protests by NC MLAs who even conducted parallel mock proceedings in the well.
MLAs clash in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. PTI
As soon as the House assembled, several National Conference members were on their feet showing banners, calling for upholding and strengthening of Article 35-A.
The NC members demanded suspension of Question Hour to discuss the issue of Article 35-A, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court.
Congress members displayed banners demanding discussion on the issue of regularisation of daily wagers and other contractual staff of the government.
Speaker Kavinder Gupta said Article 35-A could not be taken up for discussion as it is sub-judice before the Supreme Court while other issues could be discussed after the Question Hour.
The Speaker’s remarks prompted the opposition members to storm the well of the House, leading to pandemonium.
The speaker, however, did not adjourn the House and conducted the proceedings amid din and sloganeering by the protesting MLAs.
The opposition members then staged parallel proceedings in the well of the House. A chair was placed at the opposite end of the Assembly hall for former Speaker and NC MLA Mubarak Gul to preside over the proceedings.
Though the chair was immediately removed by the assembly staff, Gul conducted mock proceedings with protesting MLAs.
Some NC MLAs later tried to climb the tables of assembly reporters, prompting the Speaker to order eviction and suspension of Altaf Wani and Abdul Majeed Larmi for the rest of the session.
Infuriated NC members then staged a walkout and raised slogans against the Speaker.
“This Speaker is hiding behind the Supreme Court and the garb of something being subjudice. The person compromising the decorum of the House is the Speaker,” Omar said.
Opposition protests over beef ban and other issues had yesterday rocked the Assembly with banner-waving NC and Congress members storming the well, climbing tables and clashing with marshals, leaving a lawmaker and a security staff injured.
PTI
Fresh protests were led by BJP after theor sacking.
Two law officers in Jammu and Kashmir were sacked on Tuesday over their alleged failure to defend the state government’s stand in the beef ban case in the high court, in an action that led to protest by BJP fuelling fresh confrontation with its coalition partner PDP.The services of the two officers–Additional Advocate General Vishal Sharma and Deputy Advocate General Parimoksh Seth– were terminated by the law department which is being held by PDP minister Basharat Bhukhari. “The government has ordered the disengagement of Additional Advocate General, Jammu, Vishal Sharma and Deputy Advocate General, Jammu, Parimoksh Seth with immediate effect,” an official spokesman said. He said the orders to this effect were issued today.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>BJP General Secretary Narinder Singh, however, contested the state government order and said “we lodge a strong protest over the government action. This is a coalition government and the alliance partner (PDP) needs to consult us”. Earlier this month, Sharma was moved from sensitive Home department to Education department after Jammu and Kashmir High Court ordered that a little-known law passed in 1932 banning cow slaughter and the sale of beef in the state be strictly enforced. The order led to massive protests and the opposition National Conference said it would introduce a bill to bring changes in the 1932 law. Seth was one of the persons who had filed the PIL in the court which led to the directive.The PIL was filed some months before Seth was appointed as the Deputy Advocate General. The PIL had led to an embarrassing situation for the state government after its own Deputy Advocate General was listed in the litigation. Efforts to make him disassociate from the PIL failed.The court directive triggered protests in the Muslim-majority Valley with the separatists and religious groups terming it as interference in religious affairs. Main opposition National Conference will be moving a private members bill in the next state assembly session. VHP and other BJP-affiliated trade organisation have threatened an economic blockade if the matter was discussed in the state assembly, a statement which triggered an angry reaction from Kashmir Valley-based traders who also threatened to boycott purchasing goods from Jammu business houses.
Leading the charge is main opposition party National Conference (NC) which has called upon the government to explore ordinance route to make amendments to Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) ahead of the approaching Eid-ul-Azha.
Pressure is mounting on Mufti Mohammad Sayeed led PDP-BJP government to promulgate the ordinance to bypass the Jammu and Kashmir high court order banning the sale of beef in the restive state. Leading the charge is main opposition party National Conference (NC) which has called upon the government to explore ordinance route to make amendments to Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) ahead of the approaching Eid-ul-Azha. The party has also decided to bring a bill in the coming assembly session to amend the RPC in a bid to override the ban on beef.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –> “Mufti Sahab should get the ordinance passed by his Cabinet and send it to the Governor as soon as possible to prevent an explosive situation on Eid-ul-Azha where traditionally cow sacrifices are commonplace all across the state”, said Abdul Rahim Rather, senior NC leader and former finance minister. Under section 298A Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), killing or slaughtering of a cow or similar animal (including ox and buffalo) is non-bailable offence which carries punishment of 10 years imprisonment and fine. Under section 298B, possessing of meat of such an animal is a non-bailable offence punishable with imprisonment of one year and fine.. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation, a division bench of Jammu and Kashmir high court comprising Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Janak Raj Kotwal on Wednesday had directed the director general of police to enforce the ban on the sale of beef in the state. “The ordinance is a moral obligation of the Mufti government towards the people of this state whose religious beliefs could be impinged on by the implementation of the ban on cow slaughter, as directed by the Honorable High Court”, said Nasir Aslam Wani, NC provincial president. NC’s demand for ordinance has evoked a sharp reaction from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and BJP. “It (ordinance) is not possible. Let us wait for the assembly session”, Rafi Ahmad Mir, general secretary of the PDP, told dna. BJP however lambasted National Conference calling its demand for ordinance as insult to the judiciary. “It is a shameful statement to target the judiciary. Our judiciary is the most independent and transparent in the entire world. NC is trying to create wedge between the Hindus and Muslims”, Ravinder Raina, BJP MLA from Nowshera and president of Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha, J&K, told dna.
Jammu: BJP on Wednesday said there was no role for any third party, including Hurriyat Conference, in the talks process between India and Pakistan as per the Simla agreement.
BJP said there was no role for third party in Indo-Pak talks. AFP
“There is no room for any third party interference or consultation for holding talks between India and Pakistan,” state BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi told reporters in Jammu.
“Dialogue can take place only between the two countries as per the Shimla agreement and any involvement of person or organization within or outside India is not acceptable…there is no role for Hurriyat Conference or any other separatist body in any such talks,” Sethi said.
Opposition National Conference had on Tuesday said Hurriyat Conference has shunned armed violence and opposes it and is prepared for a sustained, productive dialogue. “This should be enough for New Delhi to engage with them and include them in their talks with Pakistan – be it on issues directly related to Kashmir or indirectly related to Kashmir.”
Sethi said the talks can take place between the two countries to resolve the border dispute and on ceasefire violations and Pakistan’s support to terrorists and separatists in India.
also see
Pakistan’s attempts to involve Hurriyat will only give legitimacy and importance to it, which is unacceptable, Sethi said.
PTI
An IAS officer of 1978 batch, Khandey was made the chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir on February 18, 2013 during the National Conference-Congress government led by Omar Abdullah. He was scheduled to retire in November this year.
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed PDP-BJP government has suffered a major embarrassment after its top most bureaucrat and chief secretary Muhammad Iqbal Khandey decided to step down following differences with the the ruling establishment.An IAS officer of 1978 batch, Khandey was made the chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir on February 18, 2013 during the National Conference-Congress government led by Omar Abdullah. He was scheduled to retire in November this year.Khandey was apparently not happy the way the ministers were taking decisions and tossing the officers at will. Sources said even the junior officers were promoted and superseded without any logic.<!– Dna_Article_Middle_300x250_BTF –>”Some officers were transferred even before they could settle down in their respective postings. No procedure was followed and no logic was given for transfers of officers intermittently. Even the chief secretary was not being taken into loop”, said an insider. Khandey was also not apparently happy with some of the decisions regarding the financial matters. Sources said he was not consulted on these matters which was also the reason that he decided to step down. “Some of the ministers were not gelling with him well. He is a tough task master who always goes by the book. He believes in transparency and will not succumb to any pressure. Therefore he decided to step down”, said a senior bureaucrat. Khandey, who was acquitted in the infamous Srinagar sex scandal by the CBI court in Chandigarh, has been Mufti’s principal secretary in his first stint as J&K chief minister from 2002-05. Khandey’s daughter Sehar Iqbal unsuccessfully contested 2008 Assembly election on Mehbooba Mufti led People Democratic Party (PDP) ticket from Kokernag. She however lost to the Congress leader Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed.