Srinagar, Jan 20 (JKNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday hit back at National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah, asserting that the controversial Dixon Plan was never part of the PDP’s ideology and instead was linked to the NC’s past.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, as per news agency JKNS, Mehbooba said that while Dr Farooq Abdullah is a senior leader whom she respects, he appeared to have overlooked history. “It was Sheikh Abdullah who was jailed in connection with the Dixon Plan. That agenda belonged to the NC, not to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s party,” she said.
Clarifying her recent remarks on the demand for separate divisional administrations for Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley, the PDP chief said her call was purely administrative and aimed at better governance. “These are remote and sensitive regions facing serious issues like poor connectivity, environmental vulnerability and frequent natural disasters. Administrative empowerment is a necessity, not a political conspiracy,” she said.
Mehbooba said her statements were being deliberately misinterpreted, adding that she had expected Dr Abdullah to raise his voice against the recent summoning of journalists in Srinagar and making them sign bonds. “Instead, he chose to accuse me of pursuing the Dixon Plan,” she remarked.
She also accused both the BJP and the NC of adopting double standards, noting that neither party objected when Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated in 2019. “The BJP divided the state, and even when their leaders talk of further trifurcation, there is silence. But when I speak about administrative convenience, it is branded as an agenda,” she said.
Reiterating PDP’s political philosophy, Mehbooba said the party’s sole agenda is peace with dignity. “Dialogue and reconciliation were central to Mufti Sahib’s politics. He worked with Atal Bihari Vajpayee to open routes like Uri–Muzaffarabad and Poonch–Rawalakot and to keep Jammu and Kashmir united,” she said.
On the return of Kashmiri Pandits, the former Chief Minister said their homecoming should be voluntary and dignified. “We feel incomplete without them. I had even suggested reserving two Assembly seats for Kashmiri Pandits so that they could elect their own representatives,” she added.
Dismissing allegations that her remarks echoed ‘Greater Kashmir’ or ‘ISI designs’, Mehbooba said the claims were baseless. “We are only demanding that governance be brought closer to the people. We are not snatching Rajouri, Poonch or Chenab from anyone,” she said.
“Dr Farooq Abdullah should reflect on history and distinguish between the NC’s past agenda and the PDP’s commitment to peace and administrative justice,” she added. (JKNS)
