Srinagar, Nov 02: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday launched a sharp attack on the ruling National Conference (NC), holding its leadership responsible for what she described as a widening political and emotional disconnect between Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre.
She was addressing a party workers' convention organised on the occasion of the PDP's Foundation Day at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar.
During her address, Mehbooba raised concerns over what she termed continued suspicion towards the people of Kashmir. She referred to alleged harassment of local youth, termination of Kashmiri government employees and eviction of tribal communities, questioning why such measures continued despite repeated assurances of normalcy.
Criticising the National Conference, she accused the party of abandoning its demand for autonomy and said its political position had changed over the years. She alleged that the NC had given up its original political agenda after moving away from the earlier prime ministerial arrangement to the chief ministerial system.
Mehbooba also criticised the NC's role during the years of militancy in Kashmir, alleging that people had suffered under its rule and accusing the party leadership of using Ikhwan groups during that period.
Referring to recent remarks by NC president Farooq Abdullah on Pakistan, the PDP chief asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had already made their choice and stood with India.
She recalled the role of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India, highlighting his association with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. She also referred to Sheikh Abdullah's efforts to bring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Kashmir for peace initiatives and mentioned the construction of the Mughal Road.
Speaking about the PDP's political objectives, Mehbooba said the party was established to restore the dignity and identity of Jammu and Kashmir. She maintained that the party had never followed a dual political agenda.
Calling upon the Government of India to initiate meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, she questioned how long the region could be governed through force and restrictions. She stressed that public concerns and grievances needed to be addressed through engagement rather than coercive measures.
Referring to the developments in Delhi on October 10, Mehbooba said the government should recognise the underlying public concerns and anger instead of treating the appearance of peace as an indication that all issues had been resolved.
She also cautioned against attempts to undermine Jammu and Kashmir's distinct identity, asserting that the PDP would continue to raise issues concerning the region's political rights, dignity and future.
