Srinagar, Oct 26: Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused the BJP-led government of relying on restrictions and security measures instead of political dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that people continue to face suspicion, harassment and curbs on their rights.
Addressing a gathering, the former chief minister as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the detention of Sheikh Abdullah and subsequent political developments had left a lasting impact on relations between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.
Mehbooba Mufti said that despite Sheikh Abdullah returning to the political mainstream in 1955 and abandoning the demand for a plebiscite, suspicion towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir had persisted.
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“Even after 80 years, Jammu and Kashmir continues to face difficulties,” she said, alleging that the region remained heavily militarised.
She also expressed concern over reports of alleged assaults on Kashmiris outside the Union Territory, including in Haryana, and raised questions over passport restrictions, police summons to former militants and frequent security checks.
Accusing the government of avoiding political engagement, Mehbooba Mufti alleged that investigative agencies, security forces and restrictions were being used instead of dialogue. She also questioned the deployment of police personnel around public gatherings, saying it reflected a lack of trust in the people.
Criticising the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, she alleged that the move had weakened the constitutional safeguards and political rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people.
Appealing to people across the country to understand the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti said restrictions on protests and freedom of expression should not be mistaken for acceptance of the prevailing situation.
“The BJP mistakes this silence for acceptance and assumes that the situation has become normal. But this is not normality; it is fear,” she said.
Mehbooba said she continued to have faith in the people of India and called for democratic rights, constitutional principles and meaningful political dialogue to address the region’s longstanding concerns.
Political Dialogue Remains a Key Demand
The PDP president’s remarks once again brought the question of political engagement in Jammu and Kashmir into focus. The debate over the region’s political future has remained significant, particularly following the constitutional changes introduced in August 2019 and the subsequent reorganisation of the former state into two Union Territories.
Political dialogue has frequently featured in discussions surrounding the restoration of public confidence and the resolution of longstanding concerns in the region. Mehbooba Mufti has maintained that political issues require political solutions and that security-related measures alone cannot address the wider questions concerning representation, rights and public participation.
Concerns Over Civil Liberties and Public Confidence
The issues raised by Mehbooba Mufti also touched upon civil liberties and the relationship between the administration and the public. Restrictions on public gatherings, freedom of expression and movement have remained subjects of political debate in Jammu and Kashmir, with opposition leaders calling for greater space for democratic activities.
Public confidence in institutions is an important aspect of democratic governance. Political parties and elected representatives often emphasise the need for citizens to express their concerns through peaceful and democratic means. The extent to which people feel able to participate in public discussions remains an important part of the wider debate over governance in the region.
Kashmiris Outside J&K and Security Concerns
Mehbooba Mufti’s reference to alleged assaults on Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir also highlighted concerns about the safety and treatment of people from the region in other parts of the country. Reports of such incidents have often prompted calls for proper investigations and action against those responsible, where allegations are substantiated.
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Questions relating to passport verification, police procedures and security checks have also featured in political discussions about the everyday experiences of residents. Critics of restrictive measures argue that administrative and security procedures should be implemented fairly and should not contribute to a broader sense of uncertainty among ordinary citizens.
Call for Democratic Engagement
The PDP president’s appeal to people across India reflected her emphasis on dialogue and democratic engagement as ways to address differences between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union government. She argued that the absence of visible protests should not automatically be interpreted as public approval of government policies.
The broader political debate continues to centre on how constitutional questions, public aspirations and security considerations can be addressed through democratic institutions. Opposition parties have called for greater political engagement, while discussions about governance and the future political framework of Jammu and Kashmir remain important to the region’s public life.
Mehbooba Mufti reiterated her faith in India’s democratic values and stressed the importance of addressing the concerns of Jammu and Kashmir’s people through dialogue, constitutional principles and respect for democratic rights. (KNS)
