Implementing agenda of alliance only solution to all problems: CM

n JKAACL releases special ‘Sheeraza’ edition

Shabir Ahmad

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that she firmly believes that the implementation of the “Agenda of Alliance” reached between the coalition partners Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the only solution to the wide range of issues plaguing the state.
The Chief Minister also said that there is no solution of the Kashmir problem except for making borders irrelevant and allowing people (from across LoC) to meet more and interact.
“There is no solution except for making borders irrelevant and allowing people from across LoC to meet and interact,” Mehbooba said while addressing a gathering at SKICC here on the occasion of release of a special edition of “Sheeraza”, a journal by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, on vision and contribution of former Chief Minister late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.
"We are sure there is no other solution. How long will we fight with each other? How long will Kashmiris be killed? How long will our kids bear the brunt of this trouble? There is no other way. And if not today, then tomorrow, it (implementation of Agenda of Alliance) has to happen," Mehbooba said.
"(Former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) had full confidence that the Agenda of Alliance, which talks about (revocation) of AFSPA, retrieving of land (from security forces), (return of) power projects (to the state) and dialogue, is the only solution to (the issue of) Jammu and Kashmir and that there is no other option," she said at an event organised by the state cultural academy here.
In an emotional outburst, Mehbooba termed herself a weak person, but added that her father’s conviction and his dreams have kept her going.
Mehbooba said Sayeed dreamt of taking the state out of the uncertainties and she will work to realise those dreams.
"My father's conviction was so honest and truthful. I am sure that my team will realise his dreams," she said.
“I along with my entire team will work to fulfill the dream of Mufti sahab to take J&K out of the sufferings and political uncertainty,” she said.
Defending her father's decision to form a government in the state in alliance with BJP, Mehbooba said Sayeed knew that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a decisive mandate and the guts to take forward former PM A.B. Vajpayee's agenda.
"Sayeed would tread that path which would lead to taking the people of Kashmir out of this morass. He wanted to change the mindset of the people here as well as in Delhi," she said.
She said her father believed in democracy and wanted it to flourish in Jammu and Kashmir. "He saw democracy in India and his wish was to see that example of democracy in Kashmir."
Mehbooba said Pakistan's "weakness" has been its withering democracy. "I think Pakistan's weakness was that democracy did not flourish there. Had democracy flourished there, then that country would have perhaps gone much forward."
The chief minister said Sayeed was a "man, a messenger of peace" who did not like confrontation. Without elaborating further, Mehbooba said "in a democracy, every issue is settled through dialogue".
“Mufti Sahab had a firm belief in democracy and he was impressed by the democratic values of the country,” she said adding late Sayeed strived for a vibrant democracy in J&K.
Mehbooba said that being a firm believer in democracy, Sayeed first established Congress in J&K and then formed the PDP. “My father lived a simple life and he had a wish to make the life of people better,” she adding that she was fortunate to work so closely with him.
“I do not have my own dreams,” she said adding. Justifying her father’s decision to form alliance with BJP for forming government, she said, “He (Sayeed) could have chosen an easy way to become the Chief Minister” and added that allying with BJP was one of the toughest decisions for him.
“He took decision only after firm belief that he would need a strong leadership in Delhi that can carry forward Vajpayee’s mission on Kashmir,” she said.
Mehbooba termed Governor N.N. Vohra a well wisher for Jammu and Kashmir. “He gives me suggestion whenever I need,” she said and thanked Vohra for his support.
“I also thank Governor for his moral support to me following the death of my father last year,” she said.
Among others who spoke on the occasion include, minister of Finance, Haseeb Drabu, Education Minister Naeem Akhter and Animal Husbandry Minister Sajad Lone.