In Valley, NC and Cong welcome pact, PDP reject deal

While the National Conference and Congress welcomed the agreement, the PDP called it a “unilateral” decision. The separatist outfits too rejected the agreement.

NC leader Farooq Abdullah hoped the agreement would pave the way for peace in the state. “Neither are there any apprehensions now, nor is it a one-sided decision.” His son and NC chief Omar Abdullah told The Indian Express: “It would not have been possible to come out with any agreement other than this. It takes into account the concerns of agitators in Jammu without opening any fresh wounds in Kashmir.”

He slammed the PDP for playing “politics over a sensitive issue like this.” “We will do our best to counter any propaganda. Our party has already decided to let the nuts and bolts of the agreement be known to the people. Land has not been diverted. Ownership of land remains with the state government. Land will be used only for the Yatra period. There is nothing objectionable about this agreement,” said Omar.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, on the other hand, said: “This unilateral decision on land use for Amarnath Yatra is a move to disrespect the popular sentiment in Kashmir. Any decision should have been taken only after consultation with the Kashmir coordination committee and the civil society here”. Rejecting the agreement, she called it “appeasement of people of Jammu”. Hurriyat hardliners have also expressed reservations on the agreement. “We apprehend this decision will snatch the livelihood of local Bakerwals and labourers,” said Ghulam Nabi Sumji, general secretary of the Geelani faction.