Mehbooba Mufti’s Call for Dialogue and Action to Address the Concerns of IIOJK

In IIOJK, where silence often speaks louder than words, Mehbooba Mufti’s recent remarks underscore the growing tension and frustrations that remain unaddressed by the Indian government.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, has called on the Indian government to move beyond interpreting the silence in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as an indication of peace. She emphasized that the absence of visible unrest does not equate to normalcy. Mufti highlighted that the people of the region continue to suffer in silence due to unresolved issues and unmet promises.

During her interactions with public delegations in Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep concern about the unmet promises of development and employment that were made to the people of IIOJK. These assurances were part of the hopes for a brighter future, but according to Mufti, there has been no significant change or progress on the ground since those promises were made. The people are still grappling with economic challenges, and the envisioned development remains elusive.

The PDP leader further criticized the Indian government’s actions, particularly the decisions made by the Modi regime in August 2019. She referred to the revocation of Article 370 and the abrogation of IIOJK’s special status as unconstitutional and undemocratic. Mufti stressed that these decisions were imposed without considering the aspirations of the people, and she questioned the legitimacy of these actions.

Another issue that Mufti raised was the dismissal of government employees in IIOJK, a move that she believes adds to the already precarious situation of the region. She urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to challenge the decisions made in the Indian Parliament regarding the special status of IIOJK. Mufti’s statement reflects her growing concerns about the welfare of employees, as well as the broader political implications of these decisions on the region’s future.

Mufti also emphasized the need for dialogue and understanding in the region. She pointed out that the wounds inflicted over the years cannot be healed by superficial measures. Instead, genuine efforts to restore peace and justice must include open dialogue with the people of IIOJK. The silence of the people should be viewed not as an indicator of acceptance but as a reflection of their disenchantment with the status quo.

One of the more pressing issues Mufti raised was the plight of Kashmiris held in Indian jails. Many Kashmiris are incarcerated in jails far from home, making it difficult for their families to visit them. Mufti demanded the transfer of these prisoners to jails within the region, arguing that this would allow their families to maintain contact and provide much-needed support. She expressed her concern that the ongoing hardships faced by the people of IIOJK are exacerbated by the isolation and inhumane conditions in which many prisoners find themselves.

Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks reflect the ongoing struggles and frustrations of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Her call for dialogue, justice, and action aims to bring attention to the many issues still affecting the region. As the silence continues, the need for meaningful change has never been more pressing.