Facing separatists’ backlash, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed on Tuesday chose to work on atmospherics, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, by handing over 136 kanals (6.6 hectares) of land under Army occupation in the city centre to the public and praising the PM.
“He (Mr. Modi) is not intolerant. He joined hands with our party (Peoples Democratic Party) which has just three members in the Lok Sabha, ” said Mr Sayeed.
He stressed that “it would be good for India and all of us to have good relations with Pakistan”.
Laying the foundation stone for a ‘Citizens’ Park’ at the Tattoo Ground, with the Army since 1947, Mr. Sayeed thanked the Army. “The park with modern facilities will provide avenues of recreation to a large number of people residing in one of the most densely-populated areas of the city,” said Mr. Sayeed.
It’s for the first time since 1947 the Army has agreed to part with a chunk of land.
‘Healing touch’ policy

PDP president and MP Mehbooba Mufti described the handing over of the land to civilians as “a joint initiative of the government and the Army to rejuvenate the ‘healing touch’ policy, pioneered by CM during his first stint in 2002.”
Mr. Sayeed’s praise, however, irked separatists. “Praise of Modi and the RSS is proof of Sayeed’s physical and mental slavery,” said Hurriyat faction chairman Syed Ali Geelani.
He accused the State government of launching midnight raids, going on an arrest spree and issuing threats to those who want to make the November 7 Million March a success
JKLF chief Yasin Malik also lashed out at Sayeed.
Security tightened
Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Sallahuddin accused the Chief Minister of dancing to the tune of RSS.
Meanwhile, the authorities beefed up security in the Valley. In the ongoing crackdown on separatists, Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi was arrested along with her associates on Monday night in the city.
Dozens of protesters, known for indulging in protests such as stone-throwing, are also being rounded up by the police.