Mufti betrayed, twice in 5 days

Baig among 4 MLAs abstain from meeting

SRINAGAR: There is no relief in sight for former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti as a Lok Sabha MP and three of rebel legislators signalling dissent skipped a meeting which Mufti, on reconciliation efforts, chaired in Srinagar.

The meeting was called by PDP President of party leaders of North Kashmir so as to discuss the party affairs of North Kashmir, in continuation to similar discussions with representatives from south and central Kashmir on Tuesday, which was also skipped by two PDP legislators from south Kashmir.

However, legislators Javeed Baig (Baramulla), Imran Reza Ansari (Pattan), Abas Wani (Gulmarg) and MP Muzuffar Hussain Baig, who represents Baramulla in Parliament, skipped Saturday’s meeting even as top PDP office bearers in these constituencies were absent too.

Muzuffar Hussain Baig had himself earlier this week, called for PDP leaders to reunite, exuding confidence that PDP can get back into the power.

Meanwhile, Mufti asked the leaders to ensure larger public involvement in decision making in the democratic institutions at grass roots level.

Cautioning against machinations of divisive forces, the PDP President called for maintaining a strong laison between party workers and leaders.

The meeting was attended by North Kashmir legislators Syed Basharat Bukhari, Abdul Haq Khan, Yawar Mir, Raja Manzoor, MP Fayaz Mir, Senior leaders Dilawar Mir, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Nizamudin Bhat, Safina Baigh and Mehboob Beg besides office bearers and senior party functionaries of North Kashmir were also present.
In a statement, Chief Spokesperson said that the meeting was called to discuss strategic party affairs of North Kashmir and legislators provided their suggestions for grassroots mobilization. The legislators gave their valuable inputs which the party leadership discussed threadbare for future course of action.

He said that it was a part of PDP’s outreach program. Mehbooba Mufti asked the party leaders for ensuring better outreach and coordination with party workers and the general public, said PDP Chief Spokesperson Rafi Ahmad Mir.

Sources said the meetings are part of the series to reach out to the people and stem the rot in the PDP. Insiders said PDP is also trying to galvanize the party before the foundation day on July 28 which they want to use to display their show of strength post-revolt in the party.