Mehbooba questions NC over Kashmir’s political, emotional disconnect with Centre

Says NC ‘buried’ autonomy, questions continued mistrust of Kashmiris; raises youth harassment, employee terminations and tribal evictions; takes dig at Pakistan, calls it ‘Daki­stan’*

Srinagar, Nov 02: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday criticised the ruling National Conference (NC), blaming its leadership for the growing disconnect between Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre.

Addressing a mega workers’ convention organised to mark the PDP’s Foundation Day at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, Mehbooba questioned why Kashmiris continued to face suspicion, stating that youngsters were being harassed, Kashmiri employees removed from service and tribal communities evicted.

“Why does Hindustan have so much suspicion about us? Our youngsters are being beaten, Kashmiri officers are being removed from service and tribals are being evicted. This needs to be thought about,” she said.

Taking a swipe at the NC, Mehbooba said the party had “buried” the demand for autonomy after shifting from the prime ministerial to the chief ministerial system.

She also blamed the NC leadership for the difficult years of militancy in Kashmir, saying that people suffered during its rule and accusing the party of using Ikhwan forces during that period.

Referring to NC president Farooq Abdullah’s remarks on Pakistan, Mehbooba said Kashmiris had already made their choice and stood with India.

Recalling Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s role in Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India, she said he had reposed faith in the country despite the region being Muslim-majority. She also referred to his association with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi.

Mehbooba said Sheikh Abdullah had brought former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Jammu and Kashmir to help restore peace and also referred to the construction of the Mughal Road.

*‘PDP formed to restore J&K’s dignity’*

Mehbooba said the PDP was founded with the objective of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s dignity and identity, asserting that the party had never pursued a “double agenda”.

She urged the Government of India to initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, questioning how long the region could be governed through force.

Referring to the developments in Delhi on October 10, she said the government should understand the anger and concerns among the people rather than attempt to project peace through coercive measures.

Mehbooba also warned against attempts to alter Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, saying those seeking to undermine the region would themselves face consequences.