The coalition government in J&K on June 28 plunged into a major crisis as its key partner, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), withdrew support over the issue of land transfer to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board1. Meanwhile, more than 50 people, including the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman Yasin Malik were wounded on June 28 as violent protests continued in the Kashmir valley. Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also urged the government to revoke the land transfer order2.

Earlier on June 27, the entire Kashmir valley observed a total shutdown against the issue of the land transfer with demonstrators shouting anti-government, pro-Azadi, pro-Pakistan and pro-militant slogans. Reports noted that it was for the first time after the massive demonstrations of 1990-93 that thousands of people took part in such demonstrations3.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Asif Ali Zardari termed as ‘solvable’ the Kashmir issue with India and called on both the countries to not allow slow progress over the matter to be an obstacle for cooperative work in other matters. Zardari also called for the establishment of a Commission between the two countries, with the involvement of Kashmiri leaders, to work out their respective positions in foreign and defence affairs. Zardari’s vision statement was read out at a conference organised by Tehelka magazine in London on June 274.

• 1. “PDP pulls out of J&K government,” The Hindu, June 29, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/29/stories/2008062957530100.htm
• 2. “Yasin Malik among 50 injured in unabated Kashmir violence,” The Hindu, June 29, 2008, at http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/29/stories/2008062959810800.htm
• 3. “Demonstrations, shutdowns all across Valley,” Daily Excelsior, June 28, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08june28/news.htm#7
• 4. “Kashmir solvable problem: Zardari,” Daily Excelsior, June 29, 2008, at http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/08june29/news.htm#2