MUZAFFARABAD, April 17: The secretary general of Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan Syed Munawar Hassan said on Wednesday there was no room for a referendum on a issue, which was clearly resolved in the Constitution, and any support to it would amount to sabotaging the democratic process.

At a news conference, held here at the JIAJK office, he remarked that Gen Musharraf had kicked off a campaign which was “unethical, illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic.”

“Referendum could be held on the issues on which the Constitution is silent, such as whether Kalabagh Dam should be constructed or not, or whether the Americans should be given bases in Pakistan or not.”

“I wonder why Gen Musharraf is saying everywhere that he is acting in accordance with the Constitution whereas it in effect it is altogether otherwise,” he said.

The JI leader alleged that the army personnel and employees of the local body institutions were serving as audience in the rallies of Gen Musharraf, vehicles were being impounded and funds of the district governments were being used to make them successful.

The military government, he recalled, had announced that the district governments would not be involved in politics “but one can see the marked difference between its words and deeds.”

“I fear that this attitude may cause anarchy in the country and destroy the whole system (of district governments).”

The most deplorable situation, according to JI leader, was that the army chief was addressing the meetings in uniform in “sheer violation” of the army service rules.

“Under the constitution, the servicemen cannot take part in politics till the passage of two years after their retirement. The General’s actions are eroding the reputation of the sacred institution of army.”

He said the economy of the country had gone worst from bad during the Musharraf rule and its consequences were being borne by the common men.

“The government has increased the prices of each and everything and has failed to give any relief to masses,” he said.

The JI leader paid tribute to Justice Tariq Mahmood and said he resigned (as judge Balochistan High Court) over his “principled stand” and had set a bright example.

He asked the chief election commissioner to refuse to hold the referendum “because it was not his responsibility according to Constitution.”

Mr Hassan told that the Muttahida Majlis Amal would stage a train march against the referendum. Apart from this, a public meeting would also be held in Peshawar on April 27.

He asked the people to boycott the referendum and stay indoors so that the regime could not take courage to announce the “already prepared results.”

He also appreciated the press and legal fraternity for their unequivocal stance against referendum and said the voice against referendum were more strong than those in its favour.

The JI leader criticized the US saying it had not compensated Pakistan in any matter and had rather increased the problems for Pakistan by destabilizing Afghanistan.

He demanded of the government to immediately withdraw the facility of three airports provided to the US, as she was contemplating using them against China.

“When the US has achieved its targets in Afghanistan, what is the justification for the stay of its troops in Pakistan? We are not prepared to become a US colony.”

Answering a question, he said the MMA was open for electoral alliance with any political party. “However, we would not go into alliance with parties having pro-US agenda.”

He said Gen Musharraf’s announcement to stay as army chief even after his election would create heart burning in the army as it would stop the door of promotions in the institution.

In response to a question, he said Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and Altaf Hussain should return to Pakistan and face the situation.

The JI leader also asked the PPP workers to restrain their leader from “striking a deal with the military ruler.” He said Nawabzada Nasrullah Khan should also take notice of Ms Bhutto’s instructions to the Nazimeen to receive Gen Musharraf during his campaign, as it was violation of the alliance decision.