PDP led regime has created sense of security among people: Mufti

Jammu, December 28: Reiterating that peace is imperative for the development and progress, former Chief Minister and patron of Peoples Democratic  Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that previous PDP-Congress regime had not only establish peace in this sub-continent but also created a sense of security among the residents  of this  state.
Addressing an impressive public meeting at Bahu Fort area, Mr Sayeed reminded that there was total chaos in the state and residents of this region were gripped with a sense of fear and insecurity when PDP-Congress regime took over in the year 2002. He further mentioned towards high tense on the border at that time.

 “At the time when tension was high on the borders and there was total anarchy in the state, PDP led regime had pioneered and implemented its agenda of peace and reconciliation”, he said and added that policies implemented by the PDP-Congress regime gave encouraging dividends and sustainable peace was established in the state. He further added that peace process initiated by PDP-Congress regime in 2002 yielded momentous dividends in the shape of the ceasefire along the borders, opening up of cross-LoC routes for passenger traffic and trade.

“PDP through its conviction had convinced both India and Pakistan to announce cease fire on the borders which ultimately led to lasting peace in this region”, he said and pointed out that prevailing peace on borders from Kathua to Kargil was result of the pro-peace agenda of PDP. “The successive governments at Centre supported whatever steps PDP-Congress regime had taken after 2002 for restoring peace in this region”, he said and reminded the historic public rally of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at Srinagar in which he had extended hands of friendship towards Pakistan. He further said that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi have also supported all peace initiatives taken by PDP-Congress regime in the state.

He said that it was during PDP-Congress regime that new routes of communication were opened in the areas which were worst victim of seize after the partition. “Opening of cross LoC routes and construction of Mugal road were historic initiatives taken during PDP-Congress regime”, he said  and demanded that on the pattern of Wagha border, the Suchetgarh-Sailkote route at R S Pura should be opened for trade and taffic.

Pointing towards prevailing anarchy in the state during the last three years, he regretted that the present regime has not failed to consolidated the peace process initiated by the previous regime but has spoiled the favourable atmosphere created by the previous government to further accelerate developmental activities.

Terming PDP as movement to change the system with the support of the people, Mr Sayeed that PDP has emerged as alternative of National Conferece, which has never allowed democracy to flourish in Jammu and Kashmir. “Not only PDP has emerged as alternative of National Conference but this party has also restored faith of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the democratic institutions”, he said and added that 2002 assembly elections were turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

Reiterating his resolve to remove regional disparities, former Chief Minister said his government had set an example of equitable and balanced development in Jammu and Kashmir. “Credit goes to the PDP-Congress regime that first time after 1947, in the year 2002 all regions were treated equally in developmental and other activities”, he maintained and added that it was after 2002,  successfully efforts were made to empower all regions to remove the sense of inequality and discrimination. “Jammu and Ladakh regions were made involved in the decision making process” he said.

 “During our regime Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had sanctioned a whooping amount of Rs 24000 crore for the development of the State. Furthermore Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other institutions had also released huge developmental funds for the State”, he said and added that it was during PDP led regime that ADB funded water supply scheme for Jammu city was started.

Coming down heavily on ruling National Conference for undermining democratic institutions, he saisd that during the last three years this regime has eroded and undermined all prestigious democratic institutions be it Assembly, local bodies or Panchayati Raj Institutions. He mentioned towards decision of the state government to postpone civic bodies elections without any reasons.

 “It was during the PDP led regime that elections of civic bodies were held after a gap of more than two decades but the present regime has been delaying these elections”, he said. “Civic bodies elections were scheduled to be held in the month of February 2010 but the government has been delaying the elections without any reason”, he said and adding, “National Conference is known for undermining democratic institutions but I failed to understand why Congress-which is partner of the government in silent on this issue”. He regretted that this regime has undermined the dignity and sanctity of thehighest democratic institution like Assembly. “No discussion is allowed to be held in the Assembly”, he pointed out. Taking  a dig ruling National Conference, Mr Sayeed said that those advocating for greater autonomy, were brazenly looking for excuses not to give powers  to the duly elected Panchayats.

Pointing towards rampant corruption in the state, Mr Sayeed observed that governance deficit was the main reason of increasing alienation of the people. “Corruption has crossed all limits due to lack oftransparency and accountability in the government”, he said.

Former Minister Rangil Singh, Ved Mahajan, Daman Bhasin, Choudhary Zulfikar, Prof Shohiab Malik, Hussain Ali Wafa, Rashid Malik, R K Bali, Rajinder Manhas, Surjeet Kour, Deepinder Kour, Capt Anil Gour, Rafiq Malik, Mohinder Kotwal, Nadeem Khan, Somnath, Suresh Sharma, Susheela Jamwal, Bharat Bhushan Gupta, Deepu chib, Avtar Singh Khalsa, H S Raina, Khadim Hussain, Sunil Pangotra, Balbir Singh, Varinder Singh, Ashok Bhat, H R Chargotra, Puneet Jamwal, Chaman Angral, Anju Bhan, E Peter, Veena Thakur, Digvijay Singh  and others addressed the meeting.