'Forged Alliance With BJP Out of Conviction, Not Convenience,' Says Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister: Highlights

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) took oath as the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir for the second time, leading a historic alliance with the BJP which will be part of a government in the state for the first time.

Here are the highlights:

• Politics is the art of the possible, even when there are contradictions.
• In 2002 when we got together with Congress (during NDA government), we made sure there was a peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Those elections were wonderful.
• We urge the government of India to initiate a dialogue with people of Jammu and Kashmir.
• In 2008, we had 21 members.
• I don't want to dig the past or criticise any party, I only want to look at the future.
• I have to join the North Pole and the South Pole.
• To make Jammu and Kashmir a model of development like Gujarat, we need to bring peace to this state.
• We have got the mandate to get people together.
• We have got the support from people of Jammu.
• We want to make this alliance a turning point in trying to meet the hearts and minds of the people.
• We want to do justice to all people.
• We have a historic opportunity today, we want a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir.
• Jammu and Kashmir is the only Muslim majority state in the country.
• The entire country will get a message.
• I can't say how much we will be able to do. But what I can tell you is that we will walk shoulder-to-shoulder with each other.
• I say let's take Hurriyats and separatists on board too, they also have a view point.
• Kashmir has been a problem for every PM since 1947
• I told PM that we should be friends with Pakistan.
• Jammu and Kashmir provides diversity.
• Our's is the state with colleges which are not charging fees.
• We want to create employers but we cannot guarantee employment.
• We want to be fair and have a transparent system.
• Unemployment is the main challenge in the state.
• We also have issues of connectivity and tourism.
• We need more 5 star hotels and want to promote Jammu and Kashmir as an independent tourist destination.
• We also want a high-tech industry in our state and have made a common, political agenda.
• Will take measures for sustenance and livelihood west Pakistan refugees.
• Will felicitate and initiate dialogue with all internal stakeholders.
• Will review security situation with a view to examine need of special laws.
• Present position will be maintained on special status.
• Government will examine need for denotifying disturbed areas.
• Governance alliance... effort towards seeking national reconciliation on Jammu and Kashmir.
• We have one agenda, both parties will work towards it.
• We will also request other parties to support us in our thoughts.
• Not disappointed on AFSPA issue.
• Are you interested in peace or withdrawal of AFSPA?
• Removing of AFSPA is not the main issue.
• Political alliance is a prerequisite for governance.
• The unauthorised land that the Army has - they have to either return it to government or pay compensation.
• Empowered to catalyse reconciliation and confidence building within and across LoC.
• I forged this alliance out of conviction, not convenience, despite the contradictions.
• PM took note of the incident of innocents dying.
• Those involved in fake encounter have been put to task.
• We have an evolutionary vision.
• No separatists disturbed elections.
• Na Grenade se, na goli se, baat banegi boli se (Not with the help of a grenade, or a bullet, we can solve issues only by talking)
• Sajad Lone has taken an initiative, it is a breakthrough.
• Eradicating corruption is my first priority.
• I have the best team of officers.
• Between 200-2 to 2005, there was a lot of positive change under my command.
• On separatists: They have to decide whether they will be a part of the democratic process or not.