Irfan A Mir

Srinagar, August 23 (KNS): PDP Patron and former Deputy CM Muzaffar Hussain Beg on Sunday welcomed the joint statement issued by signatories of Gupkar Declaration and said any platform constituted for the restoration of Article 370 & 35(A) needs to be taken seriously.

Talking exclusively to Kashmir News Service (KNS), former Deputy CM welcomed the joint statement issued by signatories to Gupkar Declaration. “I welcome the joint statement issued by signatories of Gupkar Declaration. It is really a good step”, Beg said and adding any platform constituted for the restoration of Article 370 & 35(A) needs to be taken seriously.

He said the current situation demands that there should be a collective fight comprising of political and non-political groups, for restoration of rights snatched by GoI on August 5, 2019. “I personally believe that all political parties, civil society groups, trade bodies, lawyers, intellectuals, professors and others as well, both from Jammu and Kashmir, should unite and contest the decisions taken on August 5, 2019 when J&K was stripped from its special position under Article 370 and 35(A)”, he said.

When asked did signatories of Gupkar Declaration approached you for consultations, Beg said “not so far but I personally welcome the move”. He said Gupkar Declaration was dictated by me to former President of JKPM Dr Shah Faesal after that it was unanimously agreed upon by all political parties.

“I feel glad today when political parties have started assembling at a single platform for the larger benefit of people of J&K as I was the first one who raked up the call for collective fight in this regard”, PDP patron said.

While rejecting the option of “status-quo”, PDP patron clarified that the offer is “unacceptable” both for Kashmiris and Jammuities.

He said the party had convened a meeting today at his residence but was deferred at the eleventh hour as several leaders were not allowed by authorities to step out from their residences.

However, sources informed KNS that some party leaders wouldn't attend the meeting called by Muzaffar Beg, questioning his silence for more than a year after abrogation of Article 370.

"Why he didn't call for a meeting till date, when he was a free man", party sources said and clarified that they would join the meeting under the chairpersonship of Mehbooba Mufti only. (KNS)