Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes NC and Omar Abdullah for Endorsing Unconstitutional Actions in IIOJK

As the political situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains tense, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urges political leaders to stand up for the rights of the people, questioning their silence in the face of unconstitutional actions.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the National Conference (NC) for legitimizing the unconstitutional actions taken by the New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Speaking to the media in Srinagar, Mufti expressed her dissatisfaction with NC’s position on critical issues, accusing the party of endorsing policies that she once opposed.

Mufti particularly targeted NC leader Omar Abdullah, accusing him of failing to stand up for the people of IIOJK. She stated, “The issues we used to raise our voices against—those that are unconstitutional—are now being endorsed by the NC. Omar Abdullah says he doesn’t want to be Arvind Kejriwal, but no one is asking him to be. He should at least stand up for his people. What did people vote for him for?”

The PDP leader also condemned the revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, calling it “illegal and unconstitutional.” She criticized the Modi-led Indian government for making hollow promises, noting that while Home Minister Amit Shah spoke of restoring statehood for IIOJK in the Indian Parliament, no meaningful action had been taken. Mufti argued that the region’s issues extend beyond mere statehood, emphasizing the deeper disempowerment faced by the people post-2019.

Mufti pointed out that the BJP’s policies on IIOJK, which she previously labeled unconstitutional, have now been integrated into the region’s governance. “What we earlier called illegal and unconstitutional, we are now being made to accept,” she said. According to Mufti, the disempowerment of the people and the erosion of their political and civil rights since the abrogation of Article 370 remains unaddressed.

Mufti also urged Omar Abdullah to take a stronger stance, saying, “No one is asking you to be Kejriwal, but at least stand for the dignity and rights of your people. Being a Chief Minister is fine, but what is the purpose if you don’t fight for those who voted for you?”

The ongoing political developments in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to stir debate, with leaders like Mufti calling for a more assertive response from local political figures.