Anantnag by-poll: Mehbooba vows to finish unfinished agenda of peace

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday reiterated her resolve to carry forward the "mission and vision" of late Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for ushering the state into an era of peace.

The chief minister sought support from people to fulfil her father's unfinished agenda of peace and development in the valley.

Mehbooba started her election campaign by addressing roadside rallies in south Kashmir's Anantnag constituency.

"PDP has established clear political priorities and we would continue our struggle to seek resolution of the multiple problems...," Mufti said.

The by-election to Anantnag assembly segment, necessitated due to the demise of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, is slated to be held on June 22.

"The party established clear political priorities for itself and focused on them relentlessly to pull the state out of the morass of instabilities and uncertainties plaguing it for the past more than six decades," she said, adding, "with the unflinching support of the people, PDP has emerged as a premier regional political force within a short span of 16 years".

She said the driving force for PDP's emergence as a robust regional force was the public support it has got.

"Without the people's support the party could not have achieved much, I compliment the cadres for effectively carrying the party's pro-people agenda to the grassroots ...," the chief minister said.

"We would continue to work towards accomplishing the vision of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to create a space of dignity, opportunity and prosperity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir, especially our emancipated youth," she asserted.

She told voters that like other parts of the state, her father always wanted to restore the historic glory of Anantnag, which has faced huge development deficit due to political neglect in the past.

"PDP is committed to the welfare of people as a part of the coalition government in the state, the party is working tirelessly to implement its welfare agenda," she said.

The first woman chief minister of the Valley sought "an opportunity to serve them and realise the dream of Mufti Sahab."