Mufti pledges to protect Article 370 as BJP boycotts Martyrs’ Day function

Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed pledged to protect Article 370, granting special status to the State, on Martyrs’ Day function held here on Monday even as ruling coalition partner BJP stayed away from the function marking the July 1931 massacre anniversary.

“Our state is conferred with the special status granted by the Indian constitution and you should vote if you want to protect that unique identity and special position in the Indian Constitution,” Mufti said while addressing a gathering after offering floral tributes to July 13, 1931 martyrs at martyrs’ graveyard in the compound of shrine of Hazrat Naqashband Sahib (RA) in Nowhatta area.

He said people of the State have shown the strength of ballot by voting overwhelmingly in a series of elections since 2002.

“People have shown that it is the ballot not bullet that can change the fate,” he said.

However, Mufti said people gave a fractured mandate in 2014 elections. “PDP got mandate but it is like standing on a one leg”.

CM said Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a unique place in the Indian Union and its power flows through one of the strongest Assemblies of the country.

“The power of our Assembly is absolute. It is entirely up to us whether to pass or reject any law passed in the parliament. We have a separate constitution. We have our own state flag alongside the national tri colour. It is a treasure for us and we should cherish it ,” he said.

Welcoming the recent meeting between Indian and Pakistani PM in Russia, Mufti said peace in the region can only come through sustained and meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan.

“India and Pakistan have to resolve their differences by talking to each other for entrenching lasting peace in the region.

Mufti reiterated his commitment to give people good governance and promised to lay foundation of a new Srinagar city, which bore the brunt of 2014 floods.

“We will build a new modern city in Srinagar and give priority to Shahr-e-Khas, whose handicraft industry, along with the horticulture sector, sustained our economy during the most turbulent period of Kashmir’s history,” he said.

Mufti said the government is vigorously pursuing with the Centre a Comprehensive Flood Protection and Management Programme to save the valley from the persistent threat of floods.

 “The project envisages construction of an alternate flood channel worth Rs  2200 crore. We will ensure that all measures are taken to secure valley from any future inundation,” he said.

Mufti said he has embarked on a mission to end unemployment and put J&K firmly on the path of development.

  “We have strengthened the Services Selection Board (SSB) and will have a full-strength Public Service Commission (PSC) in place soon to fill huge vacancies, which the previous Government failed to do during their tenure,” he said.

Paying rich tributes to the Martyrs of 1931, the Chief Minister said the State would never forget the huge sacrifices of its bravehearts against suppression and autocracy.

“It was a unique struggle that culminated in the sacrifice by our Martyrs, who scripted a new dawn in the history of the State which laid the edifice for democracy and human dignity of people,” he said.

Mufti’s his cabinet colleagues from PDP and party leaders also accompanied him to the martyrs graveyard.

However, none of the BJP ministers were present in the official function. All of them including Deputy Chief Minister skipped the function.

This was for the first time in the history of the state that a ruling party, or a coalition partner, was not represented at the official function held on this day every year.

BJP spokesman in Kashmir, Khalid Jehangir told PTI that although the ministers were in Delhi for a meeting with party president Amit Shah, the function at Martyrs’ Graveyard had no relevance to their party.

“The 1931 martyrs have no relevance for us as a party. If they do not respect our leaders like Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, why should we (reciprocate)!” he said.

He said his party does not want to do “emotional politics” on such issues. “The lesser we rake up these issues, the better it will be for the state,” he said.