Mehbooba Mufti, as the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been vocal in her criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its policies towards Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed amendments to the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, which seek to reserve seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for ‘Kashmiri Migrants’ and displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, have raised concerns among political parties in the region. Mehbooba has accused the BJP of trying to divide the region along communal lines, suggesting that instead of giving nominations to Kashmiri Pandits, the BJP should have reserved seats for them to vote for.
During the PDP’s 24th Foundation Day event in Srinagar, Mehbooba also raised the issue of the Sikh population in Kashmir, expressing concern that they have been forgotten. This highlights the complexities of identity and representation in the region, where different communities have their own concerns and demands.
Mehbooba’s criticism of the BJP’s approach to peace and the alleged attempts to turn the whole country into Manipur refers to the party’s strong-handed tactics and policies in certain regions, including Kashmir. She suggests that the BJP’s actions are causing fear and unrest rather than promoting genuine peace and stability.
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Her appeal to the Opposition coalition to stand together and safeguard the country’s Constitution comes in the context of concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and institutions in the wake of the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019. The PDP has been critical of the BJP’s handling of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and has called for the restoration of the state’s special status.
Furthermore, the upcoming panchayat and urban local body polls in Jammu and Kashmir are significant, as they provide an opportunity for political parties to engage with the people and express their views on various issues. Mehbooba’s call for using democratic avenues to serve the people and speak the truth about the actual state of Jammu and Kashmir reflects the party’s commitment to political participation and representation.
On the other hand, PDP leader Waheed Para’s criticism of other political parties, including the National Conference, highlights the differences in their approaches and demands. He accuses some parties of seeking personal benefits and positions rather than addressing the larger issues facing the region.
Overall, the statements made by PDP leaders reflect the complexities of the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, with different parties and leaders expressing their views and concerns about the current situation and the way forward. The region continues to be a subject of intense political debate and discussion, with various parties and stakeholders seeking to advocate for their respective interests and visions for the future.
