Srinagar, Feb 16: Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to avoid supporting the Centre’s repeal of Articles 370 and 35A within the context of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s business rules. The former chief minister cautioned that such an endorsement would lend legitimacy to the “unconstitutional and illegal” actions taken by the BJP-led central government concerning these articles.
In a pointed statement, Mufti emphasized that despite the Supreme Court’s backing of the Centre’s stance, many legal experts assert that Article 370 cannot be annulled by any entity, including Parliament.
“Even if the BJP doesn’t reinstate these rights, it is only a matter of time before India, as a whole, has to address this issue. An endorsement from the J&K government would undermine this argument and weaken the state’s position. We must maintain this narrative,” she stated.
Mufti reminded the BJP-led central government of its previous willingness to engage during significant unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
“During moments of tension, numerous FIRs against stone pelters were dismissed, and a ceasefire during Ramazan was observed. A high-level delegation was dispatched to connect with the people of J&K, including separatists, who unfortunately declined this initiative,” she said.
“At that period, separatists thought that violence, arson, and attacking military and police establishments would resolve the Kashmir issue; however, the situation only deteriorated,” she added.
The PDP president called on the BJP to come down from its “high horse” and accept that the reality in Jammu and Kashmir is far from normal.
“The appearance of normalcy is a result of coercive measures and the imposition of stringent laws like the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
“However, this façade will not endure indefinitely. The government must reassess its approach, engage with the populace, and build upon the confidence-building measures initiated during my administration,” she stated.
Mufti also underscored the importance of reopening crucial trade routes, such as Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot, to bolster the region’s economy.
“As Jammu continues to be marginalized, the Jammu-Sialkot route should also be revitalized to create a market for Jammu’s products,” she remarked, urging the government to draw inspiration from her vision document and the Agenda of Alliance, which emphasizes dialogue and economic development.
The PDP president claimed that minimal changes have occurred even after the recent election of a government in Jammu and Kashmir last October.
“What distinguishes LG rule from the NC government? The same oppressive measures, property seizures, and persecution of Jamaat-e-Islami are ongoing. Employees continue to face dismissals, youth are apprehended under UAPA, and the misuse of PSA persists unchecked. Kashmiri youth remain imprisoned outside J&K without relief,” she noted.
“Unemployment is at an all-time high, driving youth into despair. Bureaucratic obstacles have made daily existence challenging. The Reorganization Act is being solidified, further diminishing J&K’s autonomy,” she added.
She also criticized the government’s misguided priorities, such as opposing the alcohol ban while neglecting crucial concerns like the erosion of Article 370 and the unfulfilled promise of statehood. (Agencies)
