Mehbooba Mufti blames National Conference for mistrust between Centre and J&K
The PDP president accused the National Conference of sowing suspicion through its political decisions during a workers' convention in Srinagar.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday blamed the National Conference (NC) for creating an atmosphere of mistrust between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a workers' convention in Srinagar, Mufti accused the NC of sowing seeds of suspicion through its political decisions, according to The Tribune.
Mufti questioned the political legacy of the NC, specifically regarding the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India. She noted that while the NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah chose to align with India, the party later altered its narrative to demand a plebiscite. She claimed the party then accepted the chief minister's chair in 1975 after previously calling for a plebiscite for 22 years.
The PDP chief also criticised NC president Farooq Abdullah, alleging he adopts different positions in Kashmir and Delhi. She stated that while Abdullah recently suggested Pakistan was protecting Kashmir, he also said in Delhi on Sunday that Kashmiris would give their last drop of blood for India.
Mufti further alleged that the NC used 'Ikhwanis' against people during years of militancy. She also questioned the Centre over suspicions against Kashmiris, claiming youngsters are being beaten, officers are being removed from service, and tribals are being evicted.
Regarding the resolution of the Kashmir issue, Mufti said that using force, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Public Safety Act (PSA) would not provide a lasting solution. She suggested the issue could be resolved through dialogue and by reopening traditional trade routes to Kashgar, Khotan, and Yarkand.