'Present election is an assertion of self-respect and identity'

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, while addressing an election rally in Sonawar Sunday, urged the people of Srinagar to put a final stamp on the renewed assertion of their will to transform Valley’s destiny through peaceful and democratic means.

"I expect the emancipated voters of Srinagar would add their strength to this new form of Kashmir's assertion," he said by adding that the overwhelming participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing democratic process has renewed the assertion of the Kashmir’s will to transform their destiny through democratic means.

Sayeed affirmed on the need of a strong representative voice in shaping up a prosperous Kashmir, however, he also added that the process of elections can’t be seen in isolation of the need for resolution of Kashmir issue.

‘A successful election with larger people’s voice would open up a new window for broad-based engagement of divergent shades of political opinion in the State for an amicable resolution of the Kashmir issue,’ he said.

The present elections, Sayeed said, is fundamentally an assertion of Kashmir’s self-respect and identity. ‘The people of the Valley have made a bold statement of peace and non-violence during the recent agitation and this momentous transformation shall have to be necessarily responded with political and economic initiatives of significance to accord Jammu & Kashmir and its people their deserving right,’ he said.

The PDP Patron also expressed that considering the participation and will of people, forthcoming government would not only be the most empowered, but would be more accountable to the people of the State.

‘The people of Srinagar can't afford to keep themselves aloof in the new situation. You have to be a part and parcel of the future landmark initiatives that are going to be revealed on the Kashmir's political and economic landscape,’ Sayeed addressed the gathering.