Srinagar, 10-03-2024 : Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made it clear on Sunday that she is not interested in engaging in any form of conflict (“dangal”) with political parties. Addressing the fractures within the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), Mehbooba highlighted her efforts to unite all political factions both before and after 2019.
During the induction of prominent social activist Mohammad Rafiq Pandit of Karimabad into the PDP, Mehbooba emphasized that her focus is not on engaging in power struggles but on asserting the collective voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed that the issue at hand transcends mere electoral victories or defeats; rather, it is about demonstrating unity in defending the rights and identity of the region against those seeking to undermine them.
While expressing disappointment at the inability to achieve unity, Mehbooba refrained from assigning blame. She underscored the urgency of safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir amidst the ongoing challenges faced by its residents. Mehbooba reiterated that her struggle is not driven by personal ambitions but by the plight of the people, many of whom are languishing in jails outside the region without proper legal representation.
Mehbooba raised concerns about the plight of detainees, alleging that their basic rights are being violated and that legal aid is being denied to them. She criticized the authorities for their indifference towards the suffering of individuals detained outside Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the lack of coordination in facilitating their return.
Furthermore, Mehbooba lamented the suppression of freedom of expression, noting that even journalists are facing restrictions on their ability to report freely. She urged the people to unite in raising their voices against the injustices perpetrated against the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for solidarity in the face of adversity.