Srinagar, Oct 20 (IANS) Speaking in support of her party’s self-rule formula, opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said the self-rule document was “a step forward towards the solution of the Kashmir problem”.
Addressing a press conference here, she also accused Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling National Conference-Congress alliance of misgovernance in the state.

The PDP self-rule document envisages more powers to the state in administrative, political and economic terms.

When asked to confirm media reports that her father and former chief minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed had recently termed the PDP’s self-rule document as “virtual Azadi”, the PDP chief said: “Self-rule means freedom to and freedom from”.

“When movement of people is freely allowed between parts of the state, it means freedom to move, and when the people are rid of the present siege from within it means freedom from such shackles,” she said.

Attacking the state government, Mehbooba Mufti said the crime rate during the NC-Congress rule in the state had gone up.

She said the district police chiefs of Jammu and Shopian districts had to be placed under arrest for their alleged involvement in criminal cases.

“Minor boys are detained under the harsh Public Safety Act (PSA) and the crime rate has registered an increase during the NC rule here,” she charged.

The Leader of Opposition in the state accused the government of “using the police as a political tool”.

She also said there had been widespread unrest during the present government’s rule, quoting the examples of the doctors’ strike and the virtual lockout in the state road transport corporation.

“Most of the demands of the striking doctors are genuine and can be met without any administrative problems. The government is not even talking to the striking doctors,” she said.

Naem Akhter, party spokesman, elaborating on the party’s document of self-rule said: “Self-rule would actually be a de facto Azadi for the people of Kashmir.”

“The prime minister of the country has said that the constitution of the country is vast enough to provide for such things,” Akhter said.