Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Nov 2 (JKNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference (NC), holding its leadership responsible for what she described as the political uncertainty, mistrust and suffering faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a massive gathering at the PDP workers’ mega convention organised on the party’s Foundation Day at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, as per news agency JKNS, Mehbooba accused the National Conference of compromising Jammu and Kashmir’s political interests, particularly on the issue of autonomy.
She said the NC leadership had buried the autonomy agenda when the position of Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir was changed to Chief Minister, alleging that the party had failed to safeguard the region’s political identity and aspirations.
Taking a dig at the National Conference leadership over its statements concerning Pakistan, Mehbooba questioned what she described as contradictory political positions, saying the people of Jammu and Kashmir should not be made to suffer because of political calculations.
She also accused the NC leadership of contributing to the atmosphere of suspicion surrounding Kashmiris, questioning why the people of the region continued to face questions about their loyalty.
Referring to the difficult years of turmoil, Mehbooba alleged that the National Conference leadership had failed the people during critical periods and accused it of allowing circumstances in which violence and suffering became part of everyday life.
She said the PDP was established with the objective of restoring dignity and political respect to Jammu and Kashmir and maintained that her party would not pursue contradictory political agendas.
“The PDP was formed to give Jammu and Kashmir dignity and respect. We have one agenda, and we will continue to stand for the interests of our people,” she said.
Mehbooba asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved a political environment based on trust, accountability and respect, adding that the region’s future could not be secured by ignoring its political aspirations. (JKNS)
