Srinagar, October 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday criticised the BJP-led government over its approach towards Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that restrictions and security measures were being prioritised over political dialogue and democratic engagement.
Addressing a gathering on Accession Day, the former chief minister said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had placed their trust in India’s founding leadership and its vision of a secular, democratic country where people of different faiths could live together with dignity.
Mufti maintained that the accession was accompanied by assurances intended to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct identity, land rights and employment interests. She alleged that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 had weakened these safeguards and adversely affected the political rights and sense of security among the people.
Raising concerns over arrests, raids, travel restrictions and alleged harassment of Kashmiris, she questioned the continued reliance on security measures instead of addressing public grievances through political engagement. She also expressed concern over reports of Kashmiris facing difficulties outside the Union Territory.
The PDP chief argued that restrictions on public expression and political activity should not be interpreted as signs of normalcy. She alleged that the prevailing silence in the region reflected fear rather than public acceptance of the situation.
Calling for a change in approach, Mufti urged the government to engage with the people and uphold democratic and constitutional principles. She said lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir required dialogue, trust and meaningful political participation rather than an approach centred primarily on force.
She also appealed to people across the country to understand the concerns of Jammu and Kashmir’s residents and stressed the need to address the region’s longstanding political and democratic issues through engagement.
Mufti’s remarks came amid renewed political debate over the circumstances of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India and the changes introduced in the region following the 2019 constitutional developments.
Srinagar, October 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday criticised the BJP-led government over its approach towards Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that restrictions and security measures were being prioritised over political dialogue and democratic engagement.
Addressing a gathering on Accession Day, the former chief minister said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had placed their trust in India’s founding leadership and its vision of a secular, democratic country where people of different faiths could live together with dignity.
Mufti maintained that the accession was accompanied by assurances intended to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct identity, land rights and employment interests. She alleged that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 had weakened these safeguards and adversely affected the political rights and sense of security among the people.
Raising concerns over arrests, raids, travel restrictions and alleged harassment of Kashmiris, she questioned the continued reliance on security measures instead of addressing public grievances through political engagement. She also expressed concern over reports of Kashmiris facing difficulties outside the Union Territory.
The PDP chief argued that restrictions on public expression and political activity should not be interpreted as signs of normalcy. She alleged that the prevailing silence in the region reflected fear rather than public acceptance of the situation.
Calling for a change in approach, Mufti urged the government to engage with the people and uphold democratic and constitutional principles. She said lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir required dialogue, trust and meaningful political participation rather than an approach centred primarily on force.
She also appealed to people across the country to understand the concerns of Jammu and Kashmir’s residents and stressed the need to address the region’s longstanding political and democratic issues through engagement.
Mufti’s remarks came amid renewed political debate over the circumstances of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India and the changes introduced in the region following the 2019 constitutional developments.
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