Asif Malik
Srinagar, Oct 26 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has accused the BJP-led government of relying on restrictions and security measures instead of political dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that people continue to face suspicion, harassment and curbs on their rights.
Addressing a gathering, the former chief minister as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the detention of Sheikh Abdullah and subsequent political developments had left a lasting impact on relations between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.
Mehbooba Mufti said that despite Sheikh Abdullah returning to the political mainstream in 1955 and abandoning the demand for a plebiscite, suspicion towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir had persisted.
“Even after 80 years, Jammu and Kashmir continues to face difficulties,” she said, alleging that the region remained heavily militarised.
She also expressed concern over reports of alleged assaults on Kashmiris outside the Union Territory, including in Haryana, and raised questions over passport restrictions, police summons to former militants and frequent security checks.
Accusing the government of avoiding political engagement, Mehbooba Mufti alleged that investigative agencies, security forces and restrictions were being used instead of dialogue. She also questioned the deployment of police personnel around public gatherings, saying it reflected a lack of trust in the people.
Criticising the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, she alleged that the move had weakened the constitutional safeguards and political rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people.
Appealing to people across the country to understand the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti said restrictions on protests and freedom of expression should not be mistaken for acceptance of the prevailing situation.
“The BJP mistakes this silence for acceptance and assumes that the situation has become normal. But this is not normality; it is fear,” she said.
Mehbooba said she continued to have faith in the people of India and called for democratic rights, constitutional principles and meaningful political dialogue to address the region’s longstanding concerns. (KNS)
