Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
People’s Democratic Party president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference leadership, accusing it of compromising the region’s political interests and abandoning its core demand for autonomy.
Addressing a large gathering at the PDP’s Foundation Day workers’ convention in Srinagar, Mehbooba alleged that the NC had failed to protect Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity and aspirations, particularly on issues concerning autonomy and the region’s constitutional position.
She said the party had gradually abandoned its autonomy agenda, referring to the period when the position of Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir was replaced by that of Chief Minister. She accused the NC leadership of compromising on issues that once formed the foundation of its political movement.
Questioning the NC’s political positions, particularly its statements on Pakistan, Mehbooba said what she described as contradictory approaches had contributed to political uncertainty and mistrust, with ordinary people ultimately bearing the consequences.
The PDP chief also raised concerns over what she termed persistent suspicion towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the alleged harassment of young people, removal of Kashmiri officers from government service and targeting of tribal communities.
“Why is there so much suspicion against us? Why are our youth being beaten, why are Kashmiri officers being removed from their jobs, and why are tribal communities being targeted? We need to think why India continues to look at Kashmiris with such suspicion,” she said.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India, Mehbooba recalled the roles played by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, questioning why the people of the region continued to face questions over their loyalty despite the historical circumstances surrounding the accession.
She maintained that the decision to join India was influenced by the country’s democratic and secular credentials and rejected what she described as repeated attempts to question the allegiance of Kashmiris.
Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s approach towards Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba said his policies had focused on peace, reconciliation and improving connectivity. She particularly referred to initiatives such as the Mughal Road, describing them as efforts to bring people and regions closer.
Urging the Government of India to initiate meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, she argued that lasting peace could not be established through force, restrictions or coercive measures.
“How long will you keep Kashmir closed and try to maintain peace through the use of force? You cannot continue to rule people with a stick. You have to listen to their voices,” she said.
Reiterating the PDP’s political commitment, Mehbooba said the party was founded to restore dignity and respect to Jammu and Kashmir and would continue to raise issues concerning the political rights and aspirations of its people.
“The PDP was formed to give Jammu and Kashmir dignity and respect. We have one agenda, and we will continue to stand for the interests of our people,” she said.
The convention provided the PDP leadership an opportunity to reiterate its political agenda and renew its appeal for dialogue, reconciliation and the restoration of public confidence in Jammu and Kashmir.
