• Investment World
• eWorld
• Catalyst
• Mentor
• Life
• Canvas
• Praxis
• Urban Pulse
• Brand Quest

Rasheeda Bhagat

SRINAGAR, June 23

IN eight months of governance, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, has got labels such as "accessible" and interested in providing a decent administration.

In an interview to Business Line at his home in Srinagar on Monday, he attributed the reason for a more relaxed atmosphere in Srinagar and the return of tourists to the valley "to the desire in the hearts and minds of the people Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for peace."

On whether his Government had provided the "healing touch|" which was his main electoral plank, he said, "We're trying to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people. To some extent we've established goodwill and credibility. The people think the Government is serious about winning the hearts and minds of the people. It is doing something and is on its toes to deliver. So they have something good to say about us. The main thing is there is a change in the mindset of the people who want peace and normalcy. This is their great desire. If there is somebody to deliver... listen to and address their problems; political, social and economic, they are happy to respond."

His obvious strategy is reconciliation and instead of criticising the Hurriyat or the JKLF Chairman, Mr Yasin Malik, who is on a signature drive, he said, "What is he saying in his memorandum? He says the people of J&K should be involved in the negotiations. Even I am saying that!" He defended his decision to release from prison people who did not have any serious charges against them; something for which he was branded pro-terrorist.

So how did that feel? "I didn't bother about it; I was serious about my job.

But I also kept in mind that the Government of India has serious security concerns. People who were motivated and hardcore militants, by releasing them you damage the entire atmosphere. But whoever was innocent and a political prisoner... after all democracy is a battle of ideas; let him come out and have his say. I say the same about Mr Malik or other Hurriyat leaders. Instead of believing in the gun, they should believe in the democratic process and democratic institutions."

Mr Sayeed said he had no problems with running a coalition Government and was totally happy about co-operation from the Centre. The package of Rs 1,000 crore announced by the Prime Minister, Mr A.B. Vajpayee, and his promise of one lakh jobs for the State's people would boost the economy.

His constant appeals to organisations such as FICCI and CII to bring in investment to the State was getting some response. "There is interest in investing in sectors like horticulture, power generation, IT, cement and handicrafts. Before meeting you I met the Canadian High Commissioner who expressed interest in the power sector saying his country has expertise in power generation. The tourists have started coming back and some films are also being shot in places like Pahelgam and Gulmarg."

So did the Canadian diplomat take part in the golfing competition he had organised for the diplomatic community last month? "No, unfortunately like me, he does not play golf either." So why not involve the good offices of the former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah, a keen golfer, one asked.

The Mufti was all smiles at the suggestion.

"Oh yes, he is doing a good job, He is playing morning and evening I'm told. He is happy... in previous times, when he used to play golf as CM, people would criticise him. But nobody objects to his golf now!" added Mr Sayeed.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication

Stories in this Section
People desire peace in J&K: Mufti

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line