Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, shared her disappointment after the Supreme Court upheld the government’s move to remove Article 370. Here’s a breakdown of her thoughts from The Indian Express interview:
Feeling Let Down by the SC Decision:
Mufti felt let down by the Supreme Court’s decision, believing it’s a big setback for Jammu and Kashmir. She was worried that it gives too much power to the BJP to change the Constitution and manipulate people’s feelings. She also mentioned that the government didn’t always follow previous SC judgments, which raises concerns about similar actions happening in other parts of India. According to her, Jammu and Kashmir is the starting point for such changes.
Doubts About J&K Regaining Statehood:
Mufti wasn’t optimistic about J&K regaining its statehood after the Supreme Court’s ruling. She doubted the government’s promises, saying they might just be political slogans that aren’t put into action. The absence of a clear timeline for restoring statehood added to her skepticism.
Need for Unity and Collaboration:
Mufti emphasized the importance of unity among political parties and leaders from Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to tackle the situation together. She believes a joint effort beyond the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) is crucial.
PDP’s Political Stand:
Despite the SC verdict, Mufti highlighted that the PDP continues to focus on addressing the issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their aim is to fight for the rights of the region’s residents against various challenges.
Participation in Future Elections:
When asked about future elections in J&K, Mufti assured their commitment to democratic processes. She stated that in a democracy, they would engage in all avenues to fight for the people’s rights.
This summarizes Mehbooba Mufti’s thoughts and concerns about the Supreme Court’s decision on Article 370, outlining her plans for Jammu and Kashmir’s political future.
