Mufti Criticizes NC’s Inaction, PDP Resolves to Fight for J&K’s Lost Rights

Srinagar, Dec 14: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has launched a scathing critique of the National Conference (NC), accusing it of lacking the resolve to fight for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and other lost rights. Speaking at a press conference following a key party meeting, Mufti alleged that despite holding a significant number of seats in the Legislative Assembly and Parliament, NC has failed to act decisively in safeguarding the rights of the region’s people.

“Even with 50 seats and three Members of Parliament, they lack the courage to fight for what was taken from the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Mufti said. Reflecting on her party’s approach during its alliance with the BJP, she added, “We had only 16 seats during our first stint with the BJP in power, yet we pushed our agenda. Later, with 28 seats, we continued to advocate for Jammu and Kashmir, even amid challenging circumstances. What has NC achieved with 50 seats?”

Drawing parallels between the PDP’s current struggles and Kashmir’s turbulent situation, Mufti remarked that the PDP was established to face such difficult times. “Back in 1999, when another party had over 60 MLAs and a minister in the central government, the situation in Kashmir was dire. It was the PDP that took bold steps to address the crises, raising its voice against injustices even when the odds were stacked against us,” she said.

She also questioned the NC’s purported assurances from the BJP-led Centre before the abrogation of Article 370. “In August 2019, when NC leaders met with the Prime Minister, they assured the public that Article 370 would remain untouched. However, the subsequent abrogation exposed the hollowness of those claims,” she asserted.

On the contentious proposal for ‘One Nation, One Election,’ Mufti voiced strong opposition, accusing the NDA government of undermining India’s federal structure. “The Constitution of India ensures federalism. By pushing for ‘One Nation, One Election,’ they are reversing decades of progress, taking us back to the centralized system of governance practiced during India’s early post-independence years. This is a dangerous regression,” she warned.

During the meeting, the PDP General Council passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to the peaceful and democratic struggle for restoring J&K’s special status, which was revoked in August 2019. The resolution emphasized the need to reinvigorate efforts for securing peace with dignity for the people, using constitutional means to resolve the Kashmir issue.

The PDP acknowledged its underwhelming performance in recent elections but expressed confidence in its representatives to voice public concerns. The resolution criticized the central government for the “disempowerment, deprivation, and humiliation” caused by the abrogation of Article 370 and urged the Union Government to take immediate corrective measures.

The PDP resolution highlighted several pressing issues facing the region, including electricity shortages, unemployment, the drug menace, and environmental degradation caused by overexploitation of natural resources. It called on the J&K government to prioritize addressing these concerns effectively.

Expressing concern over the status of political prisoners, the resolution demanded the release of those detained on dubious charges and urged the transfer of detainees back to Jammu and Kashmir. It also raised alarm over the growing hostility toward Muslims in India, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his influence to curb communal violence and halt discriminatory narratives.

The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to India’s diversity and federal structure, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and the protection of individual rights. It urged the J&K administration to honor its electoral mandate and address the aspirations of the people, while the central government was called upon to resolve the region’s challenges with fairness and sensitivity.

In a climate of increasing uncertainty, the PDP reiterated its resolve to be the voice of the people, vowing to persist in its mission for peace, justice, and dignity for Jammu and Kashmir.