Srinagar, Dec 14: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti Saturday said that the PDP will not shy away from raising crucial issues such as the ‘restoration of special status, statehood and the release of political prisoners as National Conference has maintained silence despite having 50 members’.
Speaking at the PDP’s general council meeting in Srinagar as per news gathering agency KINS, Mufti voiced concern over the silence of elected representatives on these critical matters. “When 50 members in the Assembly are unable to speak about the rights of political prisoners, the restoration of statehood, and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, who will? It is the PDP that will shoulder this responsibility and speak on behalf of the people,” she said.
Mufti reiterated that the PDP remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing these issues through democratic and constitutional methods.
Mufti also highlighted the importance of advocating for the release of political prisoners, many of whom she said have been detained since the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019. “These individuals are not just political detainees; they are the voice of the people, silenced for standing up for their rights. Their release is essential for fostering trust and creating an atmosphere of peace,” she added.
In addition to advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, the PDP chief criticized the lack of political will among other parties to address the region’s unique challenges.
She stated that the PDP will continue to fight for the restoration of Article 370, which guaranteed special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and for the reinstatement of full statehood to the region.
Mufti’s address also touched upon the broader issues faced by the people, including unemployment, environmental degradation, and the drug crisis. She called for a comprehensive approach to governance that prioritizes the needs and rights of the people over political expediency.
Concluding her speech, Mehbooba Mufti reiterated the PDP’s commitment to being the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “While others may hesitate, we will not stop fighting for the dignity, rights, and aspirations of the people. The PDP has always been and will always remain the torchbearer for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.(KINS).
