Srinagar, Nov 02, KDC: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were the crown of India and warned that any attempt to remove them from that position would have serious consequences.
Addressing a gathering of around 5,000 party workers at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar during the party’s Foundation Day convention, Mehbooba said, ““J&K Ke Log Hindustan Ka Taaj Hain; Unhein Taaj Se Utarne Ki Koshish Karoge Toh Khud Mit Jaoge.”
She also launched a sharp attack on the ruling National Conference (NC), accusing it of misleading people for decades in the name of Pakistan, plebiscite and autonomy.
Mehbooba said the NC had gradually shifted its political demands from plebiscite to autonomy but failed to raise them effectively despite having around 60 MLAs.
Accusing the party of laying the foundation for suspicion against Kashmiris, she said the NC had made the atmosphere conducive to viewing people from the region with distrust.
“NC is the biggest traitor, and nothing good will happen to Jammu and Kashmir until this party remains active,” she said.
Questioning the treatment of Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba said even ordinary expressions and religious phrases were being used to label people as Pakistani.
“If Mehbooba Mufti does not say Vande Mataram, she is called Pakistani. If she says Inshallah, she is called Pakistani,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns over the alleged harassment of youngsters, removal of Kashmiri employees from service and eviction of tribal communities, questioning why people from the region continued to face suspicion.
Mehbooba further blamed the NC leadership for the difficult years of militancy in Kashmir and accused the party of using Ikhwan forces during that period.
Referring to NC president Farooq Abdullah’s remarks on Pakistan, she said the people of Jammu and Kashmir 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.
She further recalled Sheikh Abdullah’s efforts to bring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Jammu and Kashmir to help restore peace and referred to the construction of the Mughal Road.
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 people’s anger and concerns rather than attempt to project peace through coercive measures. (KDC)
