Srinagar, Jan. 4 : People''''s Democratic Party (PDP) has severed its ties with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the Centre following Congress party's decision to get into an alliance with the National Conference (NC) to form a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehbooba Mufti is the sole representation from PDP in Lok Sabha.

In a letter written to the UPA chairperson, PDP's President Mehbooba Mufti has conveyed her party's decision. She said "PDP has formally dissociated itself from the UPA alliance at the Centre."

"In view of your new arrangement with the National Conference, both in the state and in the UPA, you would appreciate our difficulty in continuing to be a part of the UPA. My party has decided to stay away from the arrangement as it has become now untenable for PDP to continue in this alliance," stated the Mehbooba's letter, a copy of which was given to media persons on Sunday.

Mehbooba termed the fall of the PDP-Congress coalition in the state, following Amarnath land row, as "unfortunate". She stated in the letter that even after the fall of the coalition government, "we continued to be with UPA and extended our full support to your government at the Centre in whatever circumstances."

"As you have exercised your unquestionable right to choose a partner for government formation in J&K, we wish the new government well. I sincerely hope the new government in the state is able to respond to the highly complex situation with success," the letter further stated.

Recounting the PDP-Congress coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba stated six years back her party had started a journey together against the backdrop of blood, mayhem, repression and despondency in the border state.

"Today, there is enough indication on ground to feel satisfied that the alliance turned out to be an enterprise of hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that you and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, former chief minister, had intended it to be," the letter added.

Mehbooba appreciated Sonia Gandhi''''s statesmanship while stating that it contributed in a substantial measure to the turnaround in the situation. While conveying her party decision, Mehbooba expressed her gratitude to Gandhi for the "personal affection" that she always showered on her.

She also lauded Gandhi for "the consideration that you and your government showed to our point of view and the historic contribution you made to Kashmir''''s fortunes in
2002". (ANI)