Alliance Agenda: Status quo on Art 370, AFSPA, WPRs

The PDP and BJP have decided to maintain status-quo on the issue of Article 370 that gives special status to J&K while asserting that it would “examine” the need for de-notifying ‘disturbed areas’ to enable the Central Government to take a final decision on the continuation of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in these areas.
In the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ released by Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and his deputy Nirmal Singh, the two parties have vowed to constitute a steering committee comprising of presidents of PDP and BJP—with four members each from both the parties—to oversee implementation of the Agenda .
The 16-page document titled ‘Agenda of the Alliance’ says both parties have agreed to maintain a status quo on Article 370.
“While recognizing the different position and appreciating the perceptions BJP and PDP have on the constitutional status of J&K, considering the political and
legislative realities, the present position will be maintained on all Constitutional provisions including special status,” it reads.
On settlement of West Pakistan Refugees, the Agenda states: “The State government will take measures for the livelihood and sustenance of West Pakistan refugees, who have been living in Jammu and Kashmir since 1947.”
On renovation of AFSPA, it states: “The State government will review security situation with a view to examine the need for de-notifying ‘disturbed areas’. This, as a consequence, would enable the union government to take a final view on the continuation of AFSPA in these areas.”
The Agenda says PDP and BJP have entered into the governance alliance based on the agreement “which is an effort towards seeking national reconciliation and confidence building within and across the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.”
The Agenda promises one-time settlement of refugees from ‘Pakistan administered Kashmir’ of 1947, 1965 and 1971, besides “all benefits accruing to people living on the LOC and International Border.”
The Agenda also calls to constitute a delimitation commission for delimiting of legislative assembly constituencies as required by law and also make families of victims in cross border firing “qualify for benefits given under SRO-43.”
The coalition government will seek to support and strengthen the approach and initiatives taken by the government ‘to create a reconciliatory environment and build stakes for all in the peace and development within the subcontinent’.
“The same will be pursued by taking CBMs such as people-to-people contact, trade and travel on across the border to next level and opening new routes across all three regions to enhancing connectivity,” the Alliance Agenda reads, adding “the coalition government will felicitate and help initiate a sustained and meaningful dialogue with all internal stakeholders to build a consensus on resolution of outstanding issues of JK.”

DEVELOPMENTAL AGENDA
“In order to address the real sources of J&K’s fiscal problem and pave the way for making J&K a fiscally autonomous state, the state government will work with the union government to explore modalities for transfer of Dulhasti and Uri hydro power projects to the state apart from revising royalty agreements,” the document reads.
It also proposes for allotting a dedicated coal mine in Madhya Pradesh with coal reserves for setting up a thermal power plant with financial support from the Centre.
In addition, some key developmental initiatives of the coalition government will be to create model business villages in Jammu (Basmati village) and in Kashmir (Apple village), besides developing two mega cities viz. Greater Jammu and Greater Srinagar.
“Development of Jammu as an independent tourism circuit, rebuilding of Shehr-e-Khaas as a heritage destination and Dal Lake to be a world heritage site,” the document reads.
It adds the new dispensation would focus on rehabilitation and relief for the flood affected till the development agenda takes a shape and for this, the state government would seek the support of government of India in the rehabilitation and reconstruction plan.
The Agenda of Alliance also promises a special fully funded Employment package for educated and semi-skilled youth for engendering, besides 100 percent literacy and primary healthcare.
The alliance has agreed upon earmarking two percent of revenues generated from hydropower for the development of the Chenab region, setting up of High Tech IT park and Bio-tech parks in Jammu and Pir Panchal, besides flood and textile park in Kathua.
The agenda of alliance also assures mega fruit mandi and AIIMS-type hospital in the Valley, development of ring road around Jammu, development of Ranjir Sagar, Mansar, Wular and Surinsar lakes, besides beautification of Jehlum and Tawi.

SAYEED ON ALLIANCE AGENDA
When Sayeed was asked whether he was saddened by the stand taken on AFSPA, he shot back saying, “What do you want, peace or AFSPA?”