SRINAGAR, July 30: Main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) patron and former Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to accept President Asif Ali Zardari’s invitation to visit Pakistan saying it will help reduce the trust deficit which had deepened between the two countries in the aftermath of 2008 Mumbai attacks.
“Pakistan President has sent a letter to the Prime Minister inviting him to visit the neighbouring country on the birthday of Guru Nanak and also visit his (Singh’s) ancestral house, I am hopeful this will not be made a prestige issue,” Mufti told a party rally in Srinagar on Monday.
“I request the Prime Minister to accept the invitation and I am hopeful this will be a major step in bringing peace to the sub-continent and Jammu and Kashmir.”
The PDP patron was addressing a gathering to celebrate the party’s 13th foundation day anniversary.
“We don’t expect that all the issues will be resolved by (just) going there. The issues which could not be resolved in 60 years, they cannot be resolved in one meeting but it will be part of a process,” he said.
Sayeed, who was the Union Home Minister in early 1990s, said there were “a few elements in our country” who did not want reconciliation between the two nations.
Also using the occasion to lash out at the ruling National Conference, Mufti said those talking of revoking AFSPA – which gives sweeping powers to army – should see how they are “using the police”.
“They have thrown minors in the jail. They have filed cases against 5000 youths. In 2010, 120 boys were killed. Has even a single person been prosecuted?
They demand army to order inquiries, to court martial, but have they investigated a single killing of 2010?” he asked.
He said there was a “deceptive calm” prevailing in Kashmir where after every incident “leaders are arrested and roads are closed”.
