Our present battle is for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special position: Mehbooba Mufti
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said she would go to any extent to safeguard the future of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir by striving for the restoration of the erstwhile state's special status.
"We have lived our lives... Now we have to think about the youth and their children. We can go to any extent to safeguard the future of our youth," Mehbooba told reporters after a convention organised by the PDP's youth wing here.
The former chief minister said while her party had battled against alleged excesses committed by the task force of police and surrendered militants in the past, it would now focus on the restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
"We have fought battles against (alleged excesses of) special task force (of Police) and surrendered militants. Our present battle is for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special position and resolution of the Kashmir issue. The youth are with me in this battle. Their support has encouraged me," she said.
Mehbooba said it has been her party's stand that Jammu and Kashmir should not be a cause of confrontation but a bridge between India and its neighbours.
"It was a dream of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed that Jammu and Kashmir should be a bridge between India and its neighbours. The Centre will finally have to follow this principle," she added.
Asked if the atmosphere was conducive for holding elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba said, "Election is not a priority for me."
In August last year, the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution and bifurcated it into union territories.
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Remarks against St Francis Xavier: Right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar gets bail
Panaji (PTI): A court in Goa on Saturday granted bail to right-wing speaker Gautam Khattar, who was arrested after he allegedly made derogatory comments against St Francis Xavier.
Judicial Magistrate First Class, Vasco, granted regular bail to Khattar, currently admitted to Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim for treatment of chest pain after he was shifted from the District Hospital in Mapusa two days back.
A row erupted after a video of remarks by Khattar, the founder of Sanatan Mahasangh, at an event on April 18 in the presence of Swami Brahmeshanand, State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and BJP MLAs Sankulp Amonkar and Daji (Krishna) Salkar, went viral.
St Francis Xavier is revered as the patron saint of Goa.
The controversial remarks led to the Vasco Police registering an FIR against Khattar on charges of hurting religious sentiments and creating enmity between groups.
He was detained in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, by local police. His custody was later handed over to the Goa Crime Branch, according to officials.
