07 Powerful leaders from N- Kashmir send PDP leadership in tizzy by skipping crucial meet

Srinagar, July 20 (RNA): As the People’s Democratic Party President Mehboba Mufti dissolved party’s powerful Political Affairs Committee (PAC) on Saturday, the speculations are rife that the decision was taken in wake of some senior leaders opening channels with other parties in a possible attempt to fall apart. The decision has come at a time when nearly more than half a dozen leaders from North Kashmir are reportedly on way out from the party which may almost wipe-out the green brigade from the North Kashmir region which was once considered as one of its strongholds.

The development has come just a few days after seven top leaders including former ministers skipped the Party meeting for North Kashmir chaired by Vice- President A. R Veeri at Srinagar to review the arrangements ahead of the foundation day. A senior leader of the party told RNA that several leaders including Patron Muzafer Hussain Beigh, General Secretary Nizam ud din Bhat, President Women’s wing Safeena Beigh, former minters Advocate Abdul Haq Khan, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Parliament member Mir Fayaz Ahmad , MLC Mohamamd Yasir Reshi and former MLA Yawar Ahmad Mir did not turn up for the meeting despite invitations. He said that though Muzaffer Hussain Beigh was reportedly out of the state, his wife and women’s wing President Safeena Beigh did not turn up despite being in Srinagar. Beigh’s nephew and former MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Beigh was however, present in the meeting which- according to sources - ended in a very somber mood.

Reliable sources in the party told RNA that many of these leaders were possibly on the verge of deserting the camp and may bid adieu to PDP anytime in coming days. RNA has learnt that a former minster along with a senior leader was in close touch with Sajad Gani Lone’s People’s Conference and may join the party very soon. Similarly some other senior former ministers and legislators in the region were intending to float a new party or may support either Sajad Lone camp or Shah Feasal and Er. Rashid duo. However, the sources stressed, that floating a new front was more likely. Another former senior PDP minster and Mufti Mohammad Syed loyalist is also believed to have been roped in by the rebel group along with some former ministers and MLAs of other fronts to form a third front. If Sources are to be believed Mehbooba Mufti had sensed the trouble the day many skipped the meet and had been thinking to dissolve the PAC before she finally did it on Saturday.

Meanwhile Party’s Vice President and former minster A. R Veeri told RNA that these leaders had some prior engagements and had informed about their inability to attend the meet. He however, admitted that invitations had been sent to all. Regarding the reports of a possible fresh rebellion, Mr. Veeri said that, he has no information about that.

“I don’t know about that.” Mr. Veeri told RNA. When asked why the PAC was dissolved, the PDP Vice- President said that, a new PAC was likely to be constituted. (RNA)