Mehbooba and Sagar decide to bury hatchet in 2004 defamation case

Following the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar have decided to end their row over the defamation case filed in 2004. Sagar had earlier filed a defamation suit against the Mehbooba after the latter had accused him of rigging Lok Sabha elections.

Srinagar: The formation of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) has not only brought Kashmir-centric parties together but has also paved the way for cordial relation among its leaders. In one such example, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference general secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar on Monday filed an application before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) in Srinagar seeking dismissal of a defamation suit.

In 2004, Sagar had filed a defamation suit against the Mehbooba after the latter had accused him of rigging Lok Sabha elections. Sagar was then a chief polling agent of former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

However, last week, Mehbooba approached Jammu and Kashmir High Court for the dismissal of the case. The Court while dismissing Mehbooba's plea directed the trial court to go ahead with the proceedings.

Today, the lawyers of both the parties filed a joint petition in the CJM Srinagar's court seeking dismissal of the case. Advocate Shabir Ahmed Khan and Advocate Rafiq Ahmed appeared on behalf of Ali Muhammad Sagar while Advocate Jawad Reshi represented Mehbooba Mufti.

"Both leaders have decided to work together in the interest of the people. Since both of them are working together now and hence there is no need to proceed further with the matter," Advocate Ahmed said while confirming the development.

He further said, "Mehbooba and Sagar have decided to withdraw the case to put an end to all the differences between them in the past."

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