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In a first, saffron and green tango in J&K

Mufti takes oath to head PDP-BJP govt

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History was created on Sunday when two ideologically opposed parties came together to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. PDP patron Mufti Mohommad Sayeed was sworn in as chief minister while BJP's Nirmal Singh took oath as his deputy.

Besides, twenty-three people, including former separatist Sajjad Lone, also took oath as ministers. The council of ministers includes two women, one each from BJP and PDP. The highlight of the ceremony was some of the PDP ministers taking oath in the name of 'Allah' and not God.

Prime minister Narendra Modi, BJP patriarchs LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi and party president Amit Shah besides PDP president Mehbooba Mufti were witness to the historic melange of saffron and green.

"Here (in Jammu) the mandate is for BJP. I am not saying it out of compulsion. I am with this alliance out of conviction and not convenience. I see a breakthrough in alliance to manage the contradictions… Political alliance is a prerequisite for governance," Mufti told reporters later.

Mufti noted that they want to change the history of this state and make this alliance a turning point to meet the hearts and minds of people.

"Na goli se na grenade se, baat banaygi boli se.. (Talks not bullet and grenades can solve the issues). We want to do justice to all with good governance and a transparent system," he said.

The chief minister said he would make the security forces accountable and they shall have to follow his direction. "I am not disappointed (status quo about AFSPA). As the chief minister I am also the chairman of unified command. They have to follow my direction. I will make them accountable. I know how to change the atmosphere," Mufti said.

Asked why air has not properly cleared on AFSPA revocation in the CMP, Mufti asked whether you are interested in peace or AFSPA.

"In my view they (forces) need to be made accountable. I have been home minister of India. We will change the perception. If AFSPA has to go, it will go. This time environment is needed. We have the understanding and we will do it," he said.

Batting for talks with Pakistan and separatists, Mufti said history has given them another chance because Kashmir issue has always confronted all the prime ministers since 1947, be it Jawahar Lal Nehru or Indira Gandhi, Moraji Desai or Modi.

"India is a country with abundant human and natural resources. In Europe Germany has become the engine of growth. India has to play the leading role in SAARC. The only bottleneck is Pakistan, I requested him (PM Modi) that we have to have friendship with them… Assurance is not important, he (PM) told me I have deputed our foreign secretary to go there to talk," he said.

Showering praises on Atal Bihari Vajpayee calling him "great statesman", Mufti said Hurriyat and separatists have a viewpoint and they should be taken on board. "I say engage them and address them," he said.

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