There was no sign of any moves today towards government formation in Jammu and Kashmir with the BJP saying that it was waiting for the first move by its coalition partner PDP which, however, maintained a mysterious silence.
BJP, whose delegation met Governor N N Vohra in Jammu, was of the view that since the seven-day official mourning period was ending today, there will be forward movement on the government formation in the state which is under Governor's rule since last Friday following the demise of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
"We had received a letter from the Governor asking us about our views on the government formation. I said that the coalition partner PDP needs to take the call," BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh told reporters after meeting Vohra.
Insisting that there should not be "any doubts" over the future of the coalition, he said, "The way the situation is. They need time and we are giving them. We feel the positive results will come very soon in next few days."
He said, "Since there is a coalition government, it is up to PDP to decide after the demise of Mufti Sahab and we will move forward accordingly."
PDP leader Naeem Akhtar, on the other hand, said, "We have not yet begun the formal process of consultations on government formation in the state. A decision on the issue can only be taken after the consultations get underway."
He refused to comment whether the PDP will continue its alliance with the BJP or look at other alternatives as well.
Sources in the PDP said party chief Mehbooba Mufti has directed party leaders not to speak to media on the issues related to government formation till the formal consultations are held within.
The delay in government formation has led to speculation about a possible renegotiation on the terms and conditions for the alliance to continue between the PDP and the BJP.
Urging people not to "play with peace", the Chief
Minister asked them not to fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace in the state.
"I think the biggest tribute to them would be to protect that peace and not fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace here," said Mehbooba who was accompanied by some of her Cabinet colleagues, legislators, party functionaries and top officers of the civil and police administration.
According to the latest figures available, most deaths over the last four days have taken place in Anantnag district (16) followed by Kulgam (eight), Shopian (five), Pulwama (three), Srinagar and Kupwara (one each).
Meanwhile, militants fired at the vehicle of a Sub Divisional Police Officer in Shopian district but he escaped unhurt, police said.
Normal life remained affected for the fifth consecutive day today due to the shutdown called by separatist groups to protest the civilian killings in the clashes with security forces. The separatists today extended the shutdown by two more days till July 15.
Shops and business establishments remained closed while public and private transport remained off roads due to the strike.
Mobile Internet and train services remained suspended while mobile telephony has been snapped in Kupwara area following the death of a youth during protests yesterday. Mobile telephony is partially suspended in south Kashmir's four districts.
Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were detained by police after they tried to defy restrictions and lead a march to Martyrs graveyard in downtown Srinagar.
Geelani, who was under house arrest, was detained by the police on the airport road outside his residence in uptown Hyderpora after he defied restrictions and tried to take out a march to commemorate the 85th anniversary of those who laid down their lives fighting the Aristocratic rule in the state in 1931.
Police also detained Mirwaiz, who was under house arrest, after he defied the restrictions and came out of his Nigeen residence to lead a march to the Martyrs graveyard.
Mirwaiz climbed the main gate of his residence as a heavy deployment of police had barricaded the gate and did not open it, a spokesman of the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat said.
