SRINAGAR: With the focus of elections shifting to Srinagar, opposition PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today promised all round development to the city and dignified employment avenues to its youth.
Outlining his party's vision for revival and development of the historic city of Srinagar, Sayeed urged the city residents to join his mission for ending the political uncertainty and economic deprivation plaguing Jammu and Kashmir.
"I am here today asking for your support, your cooperation and your active participation, to give me a strong mandate for embarking on the challenging task of recovery, reconstruction, revival and reconciliation," he said addressing an election rally at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here.
Sayeed said the credibility of people gained by him in his more than five decades long political career is his main achievement and he will use this asset to pull Jammu and Kashmir out of its political uncertainties and economic deprivation.
"Time has come for the emancipated voters of Srinagar to take stock of what this historic city stands for and what they want it to stand for in the future," he said.
"Our future generations will judge us very harshly if we don't take advantage of this historic opportunity to change the destiny of the State and its people and defend its special status," he added.
Sayeed said PDP has emerged as a strong unifying force between regions and communities in the State, and the party would not allow the divisive forces to cause any harm to the distinct identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
"If you want people of Jammu and Kashmir to get emotionally connected with the rest of the country, you can't do so by creating division between Kashmir and Jammu, saying one thing there and another thing here," he said.
The former Chief minister said the central government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach to win the hearts and minds of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the Hindus and Muslims have a shared history of more 1000 years in the sub-continent and every effort should be made to preserve it.
"Any effort to fiddle with India's pluralistic character will have implications not only for the country but the whole region," he said.
Complimenting the Election Commission of India for ensuring by and large free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Sayeed said it has not only strengthened the people's faith in the democratic institutions and processes, but they now see peaceful and democratic means as the effective way to seek the resolution of their political and economic problems.
"I hope the emancipated voters of Srinagar would join this movement for change with enthusiasm as their participation in polls would add credibility and value to the ongoing democratic process," he said.
Sayeed said the PDP, if voted to power, will withdraw FIRs against the youth in all false and fabricated cases.
He also said the unnecessary restrictions on issuance of passport will be lifted.
Sayeed said unfortunately the NC-Congress coalition government virtually abandoned its duty towards the people of the state in general and the Srinagar city in particular during the past six years.
"The governance crisis that was rampant during the past six years took a toll on all areas and regions and the worst part was the complete collapse of the government during the devastating September floods," he said.
Sayeed said his government will focus on ensuring financial security of the educated youth of Srinagar including women who have to otherwise face many social issues.
"Revival of Jhelum beautification and Dal conservation programs and developing Old City as a heritage hub for tourism would be our other priority areas," he said.
The PDP would use its influence with the progressive and democratic forces in the country to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir gets its due share in the developmental funds and the same is used for the better of the State, he added.
Eight constituencies of Srinagar and 10 other constituencies in Anantnag, Shopian and Samba districts will go to polls on December 14 in the fourth phase of elections.