Mehbooba meets Guv, discusses ‘important issues’
Expresses concern about protection of state’s special status; pitches for pursuance of Rasana rape-and-murder case
Srinagar, Jun 22: Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today called on Governor N N Vohra here and discussed important issues related to the growth and development of the state.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president called on Vohra at the Raj Bhavan, an official spokesman said.
He added that Mehbooba referred to certain important issues relating to the growth and development of the state, which could not be finalised during her tenure and urged the Governor to consider the same for early decisions.
The Governor discussed with the former Chief Minister the need for all political parties and social organisations to join hands to regain the trust of the youth and restore normalcy in the Valley, the spokesman said.
This was the first meeting between the two since Mehbooba resigned as Chief Minister on Tuesday, after the BJP decided to pull out of its alliance with the PDP.
Meanwhile, in press release here, PDP said Mehbooba Mufti conveyed to Governor Vohra her concerns with regard to the protection of state’s special status and pitched for pursuance of Rasana rape-and-murder case with all seriousness and professionalism.
“The PDP president also thanked Governor Vohra for his guidance that he provided to her while running the affairs of the state during difficult times,” the statement said, adding that she also stated that her party is hopeful that under Vohra’s command, things in the state won’t be allowed to go out of control and the situation would be approached with care and caution.
She also requested the Governor that fear, panic, and harassment should be avoided and the rights of the peaceful citizens of the state protected.
Mehbooba Mufti also stated that the cases related to the Article 35-A and Article 370 are sub-judice at present and that her government had engaged top lawyers of the country to defend the state’s special status in country’s top court.
“She expressed hope that the fight to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir’s special status will carry forward with the same zest,” PDP press release quoted Mehbooba s having told the Governor.
About the Rasana rape-and-murder case of an 8-year-old girl, the former chief minister said the brutal act against the innocent child was not only condemned worldwide but voices for the severe punishment to the culprits were also raised from all corners.
According to the press release, she maintained that the Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police investigated the case well and filed charge-sheet without any delay in the court of law.
“The case should be followed seriously and professionally so that the culprits are punished as per the law of the land,” she told the Governor according to the press release.
Mehbooba Mufti also told the Governor that there were apprehensions raised last year about the security to the Gujjars and Bakerwals living in the Jammu region and in that backdrop, her government had ensured that the communities aren’t harassed and the sense of security among them is restored on priority.
“She also maintained that these communities have been living in the region for centuries and hence their legal and traditional rights of living there should be protected,” she was quoted as having told the Governor.
