"Why So Much Suspicion Against Kashmiris? Stop Ruling People Through Force": Mehbooba Mufti to GOI

PDP chief questions action against local youth, termination of Kashmiri employees and alleged targeting of tribal communities; calls for dialogue and restoration of public trust

Srinagar, Nov 2: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday questioned the continued suspicion against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns over the alleged harassment of youth, termination of local government employees and action against tribal communities.

Addressing a massive gathering at the party's mega workers' convention organised on its Foundation Day at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, opposite the PDP headquarters in Srinagar, Mehbooba said the people of Kashmir were being repeatedly questioned about their loyalty despite the historical decision of accession to India.

"Why is there so much suspicion against us? Why are our youth being beaten, why are Kashmiri officers being removed from their jobs, and why are tribal communities being targeted? We need to think why India continues to look at Kashmiris with such suspicion," she said.

Referring to the historical circumstances surrounding Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India, Mehbooba recalled the contributions of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, questioning why the people of Kashmir were still being asked to prove their allegiance.

She said the decision was taken after considering India's democratic and secular credentials and questioned the repeated attempts to portray Kashmiris as having divided loyalties.

Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's outreach towards Jammu and Kashmir, she said he had advocated peace and reconciliation and taken initiatives to improve connectivity, including the Mughal Road.

Mehbooba appealed to the Government of India to initiate meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying peace could not be maintained through force and restrictions.

"How long will you keep Kashmir closed and try to maintain peace through the use of force? You cannot continue to rule people with a stick. You have to listen to their voices," she said.

She said the PDP would continue to raise the concerns of the people and work towards restoring dignity, trust and political rights in Jammu and Kashmir.