PDP patron dissatisfied with party Ministers' performance
Stability depends on CMP implementation: Mufti

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, June 2: Although he does not foresee any immediate threat to the Government headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad, patron of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today, however, observed that stability of Congress-PDP coalition depends on implementation of Common Minimum Programme (CMP).

In an obvious reference towards reservation shown by some Congress leaders on holding unconditional dialogue with militants, Mufti Sayeed reminded the coalition partner that the present Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who was then leader of opposition, was instrumental in formulating the CMP. He particularly read clause of the CMP regarding holding unconditional dialogue for restoring peace in the region.

Addressing one day convention of the party workers of six districts of Jammu region, the former Chief Minister said that Congress-PDP alliance will continue for long term, despite some minor differences, as this coalition was necessary for restoring peace in the State. He, however, hastened to add that "PDP will continue its support to Congress as long as justice will be done with all the three regions of the State along with implementation of CMP".

"Jammu and Kashmir has been passing through crucial time as it is need of the hour to evolve a consensus both at State as well as national level ", he said and added that all the three regions of the State should be taken into confidence while taking any decision.

Lashing out at BJP for boycotting second roundtable conference at Srinagar, Mufti reminded local leaders of Saffron party that it was National Democratic Alliance (NDA) regime under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee which had initiated dialogue process. Furthermore, he reminded that BJP led Government at Centre even started dialogue with Hizbul Mujahideen.

"It is very unfortunate that on the invitation of Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf BJP leaders had gone to Pakistan but they rejected invitation of our own Prime Minister", he regretted, adding, "I failed to understand why BJP behaved in such an irresponsible manner on this serious issue. If they had some grievances they should have highlighted on proper platform.

In presence of two senior Cabinet Ministers, PDP patron admitted that he was not satisfied with the performance of his party ministers in the coalition. "I do admit that their (PDP Ministers’) numbers are very less but they should not ignore party workers", he advised them and asked them not to keep party workers in dark. He further advised party Ministers to adopt responsive and realistic approach in solving the genuine problems of the people. He also underscored the need for maintaining proper co-ordination with the programmatic functioning of the Government.

Reiterating his party’s stand of holding dialogue with all sections of society, Mr Sayeed appealed to the people to further strengthen the platform of dialogue and reconciliation built of strenuous efforts of last three years and not allow any incident to harm the prospects of peace process for which the people of the State are yearning since long.

He said that time has thrown a window of opportunity for all of us to achieve the goal of long lasting dignified peace in the State and it was prime duty of every citizens not to let this opportunity to waste and the results so far achieved go neutralise.

Highlighting achievements of his Government, Mufti thanked the Congress leadership for the continued support of his polices and programme. He also appreciated UPA led Centre Government for the liberal assistance in terms of the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan and appreciated them for the trust reposed in the performance.

The former Chief Minister said that State was going to become free economic zone with the resumption of trade on the Jhelum Valley Road. He hoped that procedural formalities for the trans-LoC routes will be simplified so that borders become practically irrelevant as suggested by the Prime Minister.

Abdul Aziz Zargar, Trilok Singh Bajwa, Rangeel Singh, Manjeet Singh, Ved Mahajan, Romesh Mottan, Choudhary Zulfikar, Dhaman Bhasin, Surjeet Kour and others addressed the meeting.