By Mubashir Bukhari
Srinagar (NVI): Leaders of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), whose chief Mehbooba Mufti is under detention for last 5 months, have defended their meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor G C Murmu, saying they had talked about key issues like the demands for release of political detainees and restoration of statehood.
Led by two expelled leaders Mohommad Altaf Bukhari and Ghulam Hassan Mir, six PDP leaders who met Murmu two days back were Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Zaffar Iqbal, Javed Hussain Beig, Noor Mohamamd Sheikh, Choudhary Qamar Hussain and Raja Manzoor Ahmad.
“We talked about the release of political detainees. If asking for restoration of statehood, protection of land and job rights, revival of tourism is wrong, then we are ready to bear any consequences,” said Dilawar Mir, who was Horticulture Minister in PDP-Congress government.
“We will wholeheartedly accept the decision. Kashmir is currently reeling under deep crisis. Someone has to step in to ensure peace and progress,” he said.
Mir said it was his party’s prerogative to take a call on their act.
He dispelled “rumours” about forming a new political party or third front. “There is nothing like that. It was just a meeting and should be viewed like that only,” he said.
Coming in support of expelled leader Altaf Bukhari, Mir took on the party leadership for allegedly not giving him (Bukhari) a chance to explain his position. “He was arbitrarily removed from the party without giving him a chance to present his view point,” he said.
Another former PDP legislator Noor Muhammad Sheikh said there is nothing wrong in talking to administration for welfare of people. “We didn’t receive any communication from our party leadership. Our party will have no objection over our meeting with Lieutenant Governor,” he said.
Sources said PDP is “unhappy” with its six leaders for joining their expelled colleagues to meet Lt Governor even as the party chief continues to be under detention since August.
PDP spokesperson Firdous Tak, however, said it was the party leadership’s prerogative to decide about it. “I haven’t received any communication from the party as yet,” he said.
