Srinagar/April,12: In an unprecedented move the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday directed all its ministers, legislators and senior leaders to be present for a special meeting on Saturday.
“We have received an invite for the meeting which has been scheduled for Saturday afternoon,” a party legislator confirmed, adding, “We haven’t been informed about the agenda of the meeting as of now.”
Sources in the party said that a special meeting has been convened to discuss the present situation of the Kathua rape and murder case and the role of the party’s alliance, the BJP, in it. “It is a grave issue and it may polarise the state,” a party leader said, on condition of anonymity. The leader added, “Our CM has already said that she wouldn’t yield to any pressure and that justice would be delivered to the minor girl. The whole saga would be discussed in the meeting and we will plan our strategy accordingly.”
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti reiterated that justice would be served to the eight-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in a temple in January. “The law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions & statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on the fast track & justice will be delivered,” the CM tweeted.
Besides the rape case, PDP sources said the party is also worried over the situation in the Kashmir valley in the wake of the killings of civilians in Shopian and Kulgam districts. “The situation, especially in south Kashmir, is not good. The civilian killings have further dented our position, especially in the south which was our bastion. The party is likely to discuss the situation on Saturday,” a senior PDP leader said.
