PDP rebels skip crucial party meet

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 21

Four Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rebel lawmakers continue to be defiant as they boycotted a crucial meeting of party leaders from north Kashmir which was chaired by Mehbooba Mufti.

The dissident legislators from north Kashmir who did not attend the meeting included former minister and Pattan MLA Imran Ansari, MLAs Javeed Baig and Mohammad Abbas Wani and MLC Yasir Reshi. Incidentally, Member Parliament from north Kashmir and one of the founders of the party Muzaffar Baig also skipped the meeting. According to family sources, Baig could not attend the meeting as he was not feeling well.

Except the five leaders, the meeting was attended by other party legislators from north Kashmir, a Rajya Sabha member, zonal and district presidents. Mehbboba has already held similar interactions with party leaders of central and south Kashmir separately in the past over a week.

“I was invited, but did not attend Saturday’s meet,” PDP legislator Javeed Baig said.

According to party insiders, the main agenda of the party meet was to discuss about the party’s foundation day that will be observed on July 28.

“The main focus of the meeting was to discuss preparations for the party’s foundation day,” said a party leader who attended the meeting. “Every party leader was asked to ensure good public participation in the public rally on the foundation day,” he said.

It is learnt that Mehbooba asked party leaders to stay in touch with party workers to ensure that have good liaison with the party leadership. Mehbooba also sought feedback from members about the party.

The meetings chaired by Mehbboba in recent past are part of outreach programme aimed to “rejuvenate” the party at the grassroots level.

After the fall of the government, Mehbooba is facing a rebellion within the party. At least five party MLAs have spoken against her. Mehbooba has warned New Delhi of serious repercussions if it tries to split her party.

In a recent TV interview, Mehbooba alleged that the National Investigation Agency was being used to pressure her MLAs.

MP also stays away

• The dissident legislators from north Kashmir who did not attend the meeting included former minister and Pattan MLA Imran Ansari, MLAs Javeed Baig and Mohammad Abbas Wani, and MLC Yasir Reshi 
• Member Parliament from north Kashmir and one of the founders of the party Muzaffar Baig also skipped the meeting. According to family sources, Baig could not attend the meeting as he was unwell.

PDP welcomes Farooq’s statement in LS

Srinagar: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday welcomed the statement made by Farooq Abdullah in Parliament, stating that the party hopes the NC president sticks to what he has said this time about the resolution of the Kashmir issue. In a statement, former minister and senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said the PDP welcomed Farooq’s change of heart and hoped it would not be a mere poll gimmick by the NC president. “We hope Farooq sticks to it and contributes to the resolution of Kashmir in a positive manner. It is high time the Centre utilises this consensus among the political groups in the Valley vis-a-vis the peaceful resolution of Kashmir,” Akhtar said. TNS