SRINAGAR: After taking over reigns of the State on Sunday, the PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir released the much-talked about Common Minimum Programme (CMP), according to which Article 370 will remain untouched, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will stay and West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) won’t be given State citizenship.
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The CMP was released in a joint press conference by PDP patron and Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Dr Nirmal Singh in Jammu, winter capital of the State.
The CMP was framed by PDP and BJP leaders after about two months of tough negotiations especially on contentious issues – Article 370, lifting of AFSPA, Settlement of WPRs and resumption of talks with Pakistan and separatists.
On Article 370, CMP states that present position will be maintained on all the constitutional positions in Jammu and Kashmir including Article 370, granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Indian constitution.
The BJP has all along been demanding revocation of Article 370 while PDP had been pressing for its strengthening to further cement State-centre ties.
On WPR issue, the CMP stated that 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.
The CMP has not promised citizenship rights to the WPRS as was being demanding by the refugees and the saffron party. PDP has been opposing granting citizenship rights to WPRs and favours settlement as per State’s constitutional norms.
On lifting of AFSPA, CMP states that the State government will review security situation with a view to examine the need for all special laws in the State.
“The government will examine need for de-notifying Disturbed Areas Act,” it further states.
However, the CMP does not give any timeframe by which the process for revocation of AFSPA will be started.
BJP had been opposing revocation of AFSPA while PDP had been favouring its lifting from peaceful areas of the State.
On talks with separatists, CMP states that the State government will facilitate sustained dialogue with all internal stake holders.
The government promises to put in effort for national reconciliation on J&K.
“I urge central government to start talks with separatist Hurriyat leaders in the State,” Mufti said while addressing the press conference.
Asserting that Kashmir has been a problem for every PM since 1947, he said, “Let us take Hurriyats and separatists on board too as they also have a view point”.
To the surprise of many, Mufti praised Pakistan and militants for polling in the State. “Pakistan, separatists and militants allowed conductive environment for Assembly elections in the State”.
The State witnessed record voter turnout in Assembly polls held in November-December.
On his party’s alliance with BJP, Mufti said, “I forged alliance with BJP out of conviction and not for convenience. It is alliance for governance”.
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