PDP leader quits part post after CBI court conviction

Convicted by a CBI court, PDP General Secretary Mohammad Dilawar Mir today resigned from the party post saying he wanted to "set high moral standard" in public life.
"Even though the facts and law are in my favour, I have decided to set a high moral standard in my public life and submitted my resignation as General Secretary of PDP to the party President (Mehbooba Mufti)," Mir said, claiming innocence.
Mir was convicted by a CBI court on Friday in a case related to wrongful release of Rs 30 lakh and contract for sale of urea to his firm by public sector National Fertilisers Limited in 1993-96.

Mir said when the contract was awarded to him, he was neither a minister nor MLA. "I was a private citizen and had a fundamental right to do business. Therefore, there is no allegation or finding that I have committed any wrong doing as a public servant," he said.
Moreover, he claimed that the court has noted and accepted the fact that as a public servant, "I have had impeccable and clean record."
"I am confident that in due process of law, truth and justice will prevail and my position will be vindicated. I am thankful to thousands of friends and well wishers, including my workers and overwhelming majority of my constituency, for their support, good wishes and prayers," he said.

He hinted that he might not contest the Assembly polls, but maintained that there was no legal impediment if he chose to go ahead as the sentence against him has been stayed till January 2, 2015.