Forged as “an alliance of extremes” , the PDP-BJP coalition was meant to bridge the chasm between Muslim-majority Kashmir and predominantly Hindu Jammu region. But, the power-sharing pact was rocked by conflict and controversy, pushing the allies to the brink. Here are the key flashpoints in their almost 40-month-long journey:

The release of Masarat Alam

In March 2015, a few months after PDP-BJP coalition came to power, then chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed ordered the release of hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam. His olive branch to secessionists angered the BJP. Under intense pressure, the state government arrested Alam and charged him with ‘sedition’

Modi’s snub

Addressing a public rally in Srinagar in November 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an economic package of 80,000 crore but delivered a testy political message, saying “I don’t need advice or analysis from anyone on Kashmir”. His apparent reference was to the PDP’S overtures for a political message and the need for dialogue with Pakistan

Death of Sayeed

In January 2016, Sayeed passed away. That put his daughter Mehbooba Mufti at the helm but changed the dynamics of the coalition and also led to dissent in PDP with a powerful section resenting ties with BJP

Killing of Burhan Wani

In July 2016, the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan wani, the poster boy of Kashmir’s local militancy, plunged the Valley into turmoil. Widespread clashes left 100 dead and a shutdown pushed PDP-BJP government to the edge and stoked a fresh wave of armed insurgency in the Valley

Fracas over Article 370

In July 2017, Mehbooba upped the ante against court petitions by BJP supporters demanding abrogation of special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and also the Permanent Resident Act (35A) — a provision that empowers the state’s permanent residents. Her stand raised the BJP’S hackles but drew support from the Opposition NC

NIA raids

In July 2017, NIA arrested seven separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani’s son-in-law Altaf Shah in alleged militancy funding case. A number of other arrests followed– a move that didn’t sit well with PDP

The Centre’s interlocutor

In October 2017, the Centre appointed former IB director Dineshwar Sharma as its representative. On his recommendation, the CM announced amnesty for first-time stone-pelters – a move BJP criticised

In January 2018, the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Kathua took a communal turn when Hindu Ekta Manch demanded the release of accused. A livid Mehbooba forced BJP to sack two ministers who had supported the agitation in favour of the accused

Courtesy: Hindustan Times: 20 Jun 2018