Withdraw cases against 5000 youth: PDP

Srinagar: Opposition Peoples Democratic Party Tuesday demanded withdrawal of cases against more than five thousand young people, “victimised for having used their democratic right to protest against an atrocious administration” last year.The demand was made in the several resolutions passed the PDP leadership after meeting of its State Executive with party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in chair. “In order to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence, the PDP demands immediate release of all political prisoners and the youth arrested on flimsy grounds, full restoration of political activity and democratic system,” the party resolution said here.  “The party calls for withdrawal of cases against more than 5 thousand young people who are victimised for having used their democratic right to protest against an atrocious administration whose heartless handling of the situation last year resulted in an unprecedented upheaval. The FIRs against these boys have cast a shadow on their life and career prospects. These FIRs must be withdrawn.” The meeting underlined that while “tormentors of the innocent people are roaming free, it is a cruel irony and gross violation of constitution that the aggrieved persons are facing punishment. Media gag must be lifted and freedom of expression should be restored.” “This meeting of state executive of the party notes with deep appreciation the immense sense of restraint shown by the people of the State in the face of undemocratic methods of government aimed at muzzling peaceful voices of dissent, protest and concern. Once again the people have reposed their faith in democratic methods and peaceful expression of their political sentiment but the government has failed once again to respond in kind to this popular initiative.”Urging the government of India to initiate processes of conflict resolution, democratic liberalization and institutional guarantees of human rights, the party welcomed the latest round of talks between “our country” and Pakistan which it hopes would substantially address the Kashmir issue along-with other subjects. “The party also called upon central leadership of the country to use the present peaceful conditions in the state to initiate ‘purposeful measures for a peaceful, amicable and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir problem.” The PDP asked the government of India to take visible action on the internal dimension of the problem which can be delayed only at the risk of further miseries for the people of the state and bad name for the country.PDP claimed that the cross LoC travel and trade, “the most significant CBM,” has virtually collapsed. “The road link that could in itself prove a destination in the resolution of Kashmir issue and liberating it from siege is again almost a taboo for the residents. Uri-Muzafferabad and Poonch-Rawlakote, road once again, look more difficult and distant than Wagah-Attari in the presence of hassles in getting travel permits or conducting trade.” The party congratulates the people of the state participation in Panchayat elections. “The PDP expresses its serious concern at the mounting governance deficit that has pushed the state into a virtual whirlpool of corruption, maladministration, unemployment and despair. Development process is almost paralysed while the major initiatives taken by the previous coalition government have been almost abandoned, apparently with a sense of vengeance.” The part said that the sellout of state’s vital resources continues unabated as was ‘evident from the latest joint venture with the NHPC on highly lopsided terms of agreement.’ “The disengagement of J&K Bank as the state banker and shifting to RBI is a severe blow to the self respect and autonomous character of J&K. It is virtual de recognition of state’s professional capacities and reliance on RBI carries obvious strings with it.”The party said that it was highly concerned about the systematic demolition of institutional vigilance against corruption. “The inability of the government to make crucial appointments to the State Accountability Commission (SAC) and State Information Commission (SIC) now looks more ominous than the result of inefficiency and lack of direction of the government.”