Srinagar, April 18 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has officially launched her campaign from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections , delivering a blistering rebuke of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during her address on Wednesday at Kund Qazigund.
Mehbooba castigated the BJP-led administration for what she termed the disenfranchisement and oppression of Kashmiris through various tactics.
The PDP Chief expressed dismay over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing the central government of treating the region as a testing ground for draconian policies.
"It is unfortunate to witness Jammu and Kashmir being transformed into a laboratory by the union government, where dissent is muzzled, leadership is incarcerated, and youth are targeted," Mufti remarked. She highlighted the plight of Kashmiri youth, condemning their arbitrary detention and emphasizing the urgent need to speak out against the prevailing "anarchy."
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Mufti denounced it as a betrayal and the inception of a policy of dispossession affecting all residents of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. "If we do not raise our voices today against this anarchy, history will not absolve us. We must speak up and liberate our state from the oppressive rule it currently endures," she said.
Further, Mehbooba further addressed reporters in south Kashmir's Kulgam, emphasizing that the aim is not to engage in a blame game but to address the significant challenges facing the region. She expressed concern over the daily attacks on resources, land, and dignity of the Kashmiri people.
During a rally in Kund, Kulgam, Mehbooba reiterated that her party was compelled to contest against the National Conference due to circumstances. She recounted her participation in a meeting in Mumbai where discussions on seat sharing took place.
"I was in the (INDIA bloc) meeting in Mumbai. (NC president) Dr Farooq Abdullah was also there and I told them that whatever he decides on seat sharing, we will accept it as he is our elder. They (NC) decided that the PDP is finished. Is the PDP finished?,” she asked.
Despite expressing willingness to accept decisions made by elder leaders like Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba criticized the alleged demeaning remarks from the National Conference leadership, stating, "Even if Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah had to field only NC candidates, they should have given me a call and told me that it is in the interest of Jammu and Kashmir as the NC can put forth the point of view better."
The PDP President also acknowledged the challenges faced by her party leaders and commended the resilience of her party workers who continue to stand with them. “I salute my party workers who are still standing with us. They are the reason for our invincible courage and determination,” Mehbooba said in her address.
Senior party functionaries who were also present on this occasion include senior leader and chairman parliamentary Committee Mohammad Sartaj Madni, General Secretary Organisation Dr Mehboob Beg, Dr R K Pardesi, Zone President Zafrullah Wani, Sheikh Gulzar Ahmad DDC, Ab Rashid Ganai , Sheikh Shahid, Mohd Mabqool Mir Qaimoh, Youth District president Tariq Ahmad Wani, Youth Zone President Ashiq Ahmad Bhat, Farooq Ahmad Buhroo, Parvez Ahmad Reshi and others. On this occasion senior NC worker Fayaz Ahmad Wani also joined the party.(KNS)