Aaqib Khan
Srinagar, Nov 2 (KNS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday questioned what she termed continued suspicion against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that local youth, government employees and tribal communities were being targeted.
Addressing a party workers' convention organised on the PDP's Foundation Day at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar, Mehbooba as per news agency KNS questioned the alleged harassment of Kashmiri youth, termination of local employees and action against tribal communities.
"Why is there so much suspicion against us? Why are our youth being beaten, why are Kashmiri officers being removed from their jobs, and why are tribal communities being targeted?" she said.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India, she recalled the contributions of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, questioning why Kashmiris continued to face questions over their loyalty.
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She said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had chosen India keeping in view its democratic and secular credentials, and questioned the continued perception of divided loyalties among Kashmiris.
Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's initiatives for peace and reconciliation, Mehbooba said his outreach towards Jammu and Kashmir had helped create an atmosphere of dialogue and understanding.
Appealing to the Centre to initiate meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, she said peace could not be established through force and restrictions.
"How long will you keep Kashmir closed and try to maintain peace through the use of force? You cannot continue to rule people with a stick. You have to listen to their voices," she said.
Mehbooba said the PDP would continue to raise public concerns and work towards restoring the dignity, trust and political rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)