Srinagar: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday lauded three party MLAs who raised the issue of abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A during the first session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly earlier this month.
“Party President Ms. @MehboobaMufti lauded the efforts of PDP MLAs for their efforts in legislative assembly at party headquarters in Srinagar today,” the PDP posted on its X handle after a meeting chaired by Mufti.
“These elections were about defending J&K’s identity & dignity. Our MLAs have raised the people’s deep concerns over the unilateral abrogation of Articles 370 & 35A. The fight for our rights continues in legislatures & public outreach,” the PDP president said.
Besides the three party MLAs — Waheed Para, Rafiq Naik and Mir Mohammad Fayaz, senior leaders like Nayeem Akhtar, Abdul Rehman Veeru, Ghulam Nabi Lone, Khursheed Alam, Basharat Bukhari, Asiya Naqash and Zahoor Mir attended the meeting.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, PDP legislature party leader Waheed Para said the party MLAs will continue to remind the National Conference government of the promises the ruling party had made during the election campaign.
“We are not here to confront the government, but we will ensure they deliver on their promises and mandates,” he said.
“We will keep reminding them about the Kashmiri youth lodged in outside jails and the needs to shift them back, the enhanced ration quota, etc. They have got a huge mandate … We will keep reminding them,” Para said.
The Centre had in 2019 abrogated Article 370 which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Para also criticized the Omar Abdullah-led government, accusing the NC of confusion and lack of clarity on critical issues and political processes in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Omar Abdullah talks about statehood but avoids addressing the core issue of Article 370. Their approach is inconsistent. They use rhetoric on roads but silence where it matters most,” Para said as per news agency KINS.
He stressed the need to “normalize politics in J&K without fear,” highlighting the absence of meaningful discussions of the NC on Article 370, special status under Article 35A, and demographic concerns.
“Today’s meeting focused on bridging the political void and addressing the emotional and demographic concerns that resonate deeply with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Para said that “photo-ops, review meetings, and visits to Delhi are not enough to resolve the complex problems of Jammu and Kashmir”.
He stated the need for “concrete actions” on issues like Article 370 and special status, which he argued require “sincere attention”.
Senior PDP leader Nayeem Akhtar also criticized the NC government, stating that it has maintained “political silence” on key promises made by it. He accused the government of failing to address critical issues affecting the region and expressed concerns over erosion of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy.
“The government is in complete silence mode. The Chief Minister is silent, and only sporadic statements are made by leaders like Farooq Abdullah. Meanwhile, critical issues are being buried deeper—this has been the recurring approach of the National Conference’s politics,” Akhtar stated.
Referencing political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, including from 1947, 1952, 1975, and 1996, Akhtar said these events have historically been used to sideline the aspirations of the people.
He said the PDP was committed and stood with the people to keep their aspirations alive.
Asked about a recent resolution passed by the NC-led government in Jammu and Kashmir’s Legislative Assembly, Akhtar questioned the omission of Articles 370 and 35A in the resolution. “Those who proposed the resolution, including their alliance partner Congress, claim that Article 370 is over. The deputy chief minister, who introduced the resolution himself, states there is no mention of it,” he said.
He accused the ruling government of betraying the mandate they received. “We won’t let them forget that they secured votes based on this issue. We will not remain silent unless they address it transparently,” Akhtar added.
Condemning the abrogation of Article 370, Akhtar called it a grave injustice. “For us, the earlier status of autonomy, including Article 370, was central to peace in South Asia. By dismantling it, what peace or resolution can you achieve?” he questioned.
