New Delhi: Talks for the formation of government in between Bharatiya Janata Party and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) hits hurdles in Jammu and Kashmir as there are differences over key issues in both parties.
PDP has been insisting on withdrawing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and avoiding raking-up the Article 370, talks with Hurriyat Conference and Pakistan besides giving free hand to government to win the hearts and minds of people particularly in the valley.
BJP has been adamant on leaving the security related issues to the forces and the talks with Pakistan to the foreign ministry to decide.
BJP is also insisting that any dialogue with separatists ought to be within the ambit of Indian Constitution.
Naeem Akthar, chief spokesperson of PDP said, “It is a matter of discussion. I would not call it a hiccup. We have arrived at many areas of convergence and obviously there must be some (issues) which needs more work and efforts. Once these are ironed out we will start the structured dialogue.”
Contrary to the reports of the government formation before budget session on February 23, PDP is now claiming that the structured dialogue between the two sides are yet to start for giving final shape to the common minimum programme (CMP) which will form the basis for the governance.
Meanwhile PDP also clarifies that they never claimed that the government formation will happen before the parliament budget session starting February 23.
Akhtar said, “We never claimed it as true. Informal talks are on. Obviously it will take time. We never said it will happen on February 23 or before or after.”
Meanwhile Khalid Jahangir, spokesperson of BJP in Srinagar said, “Structured dialogue is yet to start between the two parties. But we want the stable government which will represent the aspirations of all the three regions –Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.”
Bureau Report
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