SRINAGAR:Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Tuesday said the PDP-BJP Government in the state would provide political space for dissent, but maintained that certain positions taken by some people were unacceptable.
“There is no deficit in the ‘Agenda of the Alliance’, but we need time to set the system right,” he told reporters after inspecting a guard of honour at the Civil Secretariat here after shifting of the capital to Srinagar (summer capital) from Jammu (winter capital). The age-old practice, which has its origins during the reign of the erstwhile Maharajas, is called ‘Durbar Move’.
On the issue of political dissent in the state and giving space to various political views, Mufti said, “My government will provide political space for dissent.” He, however, was quick to add that certain positions taken by some people were not acceptable and action had been taken in such cases.
Referring to the release and rearrest of separatist Masarat Alam, Mufti said, “His own deeds were responsible for his arrest.”
Masarat was arrested on April 17, 40 days after his release from over four years of detention. He was booked on sedition charges for raising pro-Pakistan slogans and waving Pakistan flag during a separatist rally here on April 15.
Masarat was booked under the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) and shifted to Kotbalwal jail, Jammu.
The PDP has been pitching for talks between the Centre and separatists and this point also figures in the “Agenda of Alliance”, the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) entered into by the PDP and the BJP to form coalition government in the state.
Pointing out that the coalition government was working to make the system more responsive, the Chief Minister hinted at the possibility of putting in place a single-window clearance system for ensuring time bound administrative disposal.
He, however, appealed to the people to show patience and allow the government to fulfil the promises made to them in the CMP.
On whether the state was facing any financial problems, Mufti said, “There is no financial crunch in the state.”
“There are two aspects of government spending, one relating to the routine expenditure and the other with specific reference to relief and rehabilitation. The first one is being met, despite pending liabilities,” he added.
On the new recruitment policy, which has invited the ire of Opposition parties, Mufti said, “It has been announced that vacancies will be filled up at the earliest.”