Mehbooba Mufti Hails Omar Abdullah’s Swearing-In, Urges Govt to Heal J&K’s Wounds Post-2019
Srinagar, 16-10-2024: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti expressed optimism on Wednesday following the swearing-in of Omar Abdullah as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a “very auspicious day” for the region. She highlighted that, after several years without an elected government, the people of J&K now have a stable leadership. Speaking to reporters after the oath-taking ceremony, Mehbooba acknowledged the hardships faced by the people, particularly post-2019 when Article 370 was abrogated. She voiced her hope that the new government under Abdullah’s leadership would work to heal the “wounds” inflicted during these difficult years.
“We hope that this new government will heal the wounds we got,” she said, underscoring the challenges faced by the people. Additionally, she urged the new government to pass a resolution condemning the Centre’s decision on August 5, 2019, which saw the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union territories. “We hope the government will pass a resolution condemning the decision of August 5, 2019, as the people of J-K do not accept those changes,” Mehbooba added.
The former chief minister also expressed her desire for the government to address pressing issues like unemployment, drug addiction, and electricity shortages, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to improve the lives of J&K’s residents.
Her daughter, Iltija Mufti, also expressed hope for positive change, noting that the region finally has an elected government after a six-year gap. “Best wishes to Omar sahab & hope they do justice to the overwhelming mandate & trust people have reposed in them,” Iltija posted on X.
In a separate statement on X, the PDP extended its congratulations to Abdullah, stating their support for the new government, particularly on its stance against the decisions made on August 5, 2019. “We congratulate @OmarAbdullah sb for taking oath as Chief Minister UT of J&K. People have elected the new government with a hope that it stays true to its promises of standing against the decisions taken on 5 August 2019, and we support the new govt on it. Our best wishes to him and his cabinet for a fruitful tenure,” the party’s statement read.
