BJP- PDP talks still stuck on AFSPA, Article 370, but both say they are 'close' to a solution

PDP and BJP, who have been in talks over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir for the past three weeks, today said a consensus has been arrived on most of the issues and talks are on to iron out differences on “one or two issues”, apparently referring to AFSPA and Article 370.

However, they refused to comment on a time frame in which they would be able to announce an alliance to form the coalition government.

The PDP today said that talks were on to achieve a “consensus” on “left out one or two issues” confronting the coalition in the formation of the government.

PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhtar told reporters, “We (PDP) have more issues of convergence… and a few issues, one or two are there, on which consensus has not emerged as yet. Attempts are being made by both the sides to reach consensus on them Both the parties are trying to resolve the areas of divergence and difference as we feel that the government which is formed should be purposeful government”.

“As soon as we feel that we have overcome major differences, we will take a decision”, he added.

Akhtar also said that there are still “certain issues” which needed to be sorted out. However he expressed confidence they would get sorted as the parties get into a structured dialogue.

The BJP also confirmed that talks were going on, adding that once there is a consensus on “some” issues, the process for the formation of government in J-K will start.

BJP JK unit chief and Jammu MP, Jugal Kishore Sharma, told reporters that, “There are several issues on which talks are going on. Once the consensus is achieved (on some issues), the process of the government formation will begin.”

When asked about the time frame, Sharma said, “how can we say when the talks will end”.

On the issue of AFSPA and Article 370, Naeem said AFSPA was not needed in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Whatever issues the PDP has raised in the dialogue process with BJP, which we feel are needed to be resolved, they are in the public domain,” PDP spokesman said.

“Mufti Sahib (PDP chief Mufti Mohammad Sayeed) has said we need to form an alliance with BJP and that should be an opportunity, a historic opportunity to get Kashmir out of this imbroglio,” he said.

The PDP leader added, “It is an opportunity for the country, J-K and the entire region how can we bring this state out of the state of unrest. We should convert this mandate into an opportunity”.

Meanwhile, National Conference attacked both parties for the delay in the formation of the government and said it was being caused “on the issue of the Chief Minister’s post.”

“BJP is batting for a three year turn for Chief Minister from PDP and BJP each. The issue is caught up on CM post,” NC provincial president for Jammu, Devender Singh Rana told reporters

“All other issues are resolved between BJP and PDP and it is only due to the CM issue that the talks are held up. This is posturing by PDP and BJP. The coalition is already there… see in Rajya Sabha polls and Legislative Council polls they are in coalition,” he said.

Rana claimed that issues of AFSPA and Article 370 has been resolved.

PTI