Farooq, Mehbooba accept Modi invite for J&K talks |
The People`s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) on 22nd June accepted the Union Home Ministry`s invitation to an all-party dialogue on Jammu & Kashmir with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 24th June. The Alliance said that it would use the opportunity to pitch hard for the restoration of “what was ours and what can remain ours. There will be no compromise on Articles 370 and 35A.” The decision also ended speculation about whether former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, whose PDP is part of the Alliance, would join the talks or depute someone to represent the party. In a joint presser following a meeting at the residence of National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, the constituents of the Alliance said they would also seek the release of all political detainees and the return of J&K prisoners lodged in different jails. Talking to the media, Farooq Abdullah said, "Our stand is clear, and all of you know what our stand is. Since New Delhi has invited the leaders individually, we have decided that all those invited will attend the meeting and put forth their points on J&K”. Mehbooba said “there was a suggestion that only Farooq Abdullah would represent PAGD in the June 24 meeting, but now there is a consensus that all those who have been invited will go. We are not against dialogue. My late father Mufti Muhammad Sayeed always advocated dialogue for the resolution of issues,”. Just before the meeting, the J&K administration on 20th June freed two senior PDP functionaries — Mehbooba`s uncle Sartaj Madni and former Minister Naeem Akhtar — after long periods of detention and house arrest.
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