Srinagar, Feb 13: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday likened the Jammu and Kashmir issue to an "incurable disease" and accused the BJP of using it for political gains, similar to how Pakistan's military establishment exploits Kashmir for its own interests. She argued that the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 had worsened public discontent rather than resolving the region’s problems.
Speaking at a party event in Srinagar, Mehbooba urged the government to restore cross-LoC trade and travel, which were suspended in 2019. She questioned the BJP’s claims of normalcy in J&K, asking why security review meetings were frequently held if the situation was truly stable.
Criticizing the BJP for removing Article 370, she said it had stripped J&K’s communities—Dogras, Kashmiris, Gujjars, Paharis, and Sikhs—of essential protections related to land and jobs. She warned that ongoing discontent in the region could lead to an explosive situation.
Mehbooba also blamed the BJP for politicizing the issue ahead of elections, citing recent incidents of violence, including the deaths of two Army personnel in Akhnoor and the alleged police torture of a youth in Kathua. She questioned why security meetings were prioritized over discussions on unemployment, drug abuse, and crime.
Highlighting her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s vision, she advocated for reopening Srinagar-Muzaffarabad, Poonch-Rawalakot, and Jammu-Sialkot routes to benefit both Kashmir and Jammu, which she believes will face economic setbacks once Kashmir is fully integrated into the national railway network.
Calling for unity, she urged people to push for a resolution, noting that even Ladakhis, who once sought UT status, now regret the loss of land and resources to outsiders. [KNT]
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