People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday accused the National Conference (NC) and its president, Farooq Abdullah, of double standards over Pakistan, alleging that the party’s shifting political positions had deepened the trust deficit between Kashmiris and the rest of the country.&nbsp;Addressing party workers at Sher-e-Kashmir Park here on the PDP’s foundation day, Mufti criticised Abdullah’s recent remarks portraying Pakistan’s continued international advocacy of the Kashmir issue as a form of protection for Kashmiris.&nbsp;“Today, they claim Pakistan is our protector, implying that the average Kashmiri holds sympathy for Pakistan, even though just days ago they were speaking against it,” she said, alleging that such statements reinforce suspicion against ordinary Kashmiris.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-conference-crisis-20-mlas-demand-minister-removal-party-overhaul-1793615553250">NC faces internal crisis as 20 MLAs seek cabinet overhaul, Srinagar MP to quit party and seat on Nov 3</a>&nbsp;Mufti blamed the NC’s past politics around Pakistan, plebiscite and autonomy for contributing to the perception of Kashmiris as suspect. She accused the party of misleading people by repeatedly shifting its political position and alleged that its approach had also contributed to the region’s troubled past.&nbsp;Raising concerns over what she described as persistent discrimination, Mufti questioned the harassment of Kashmiri youth, dismissals of government employees, passport-related restrictions and alleged land rights violations. She also flagged the targeting of Kashmiris in Haryana and concerns over the eviction of Gujjar and Bakarwal communities.“Why does India harbour such deep suspicion towards us?” she asked, arguing that peace cannot be sustained through force and restrictions alone.&nbsp;Calling for meaningful dialogue between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti said the prevailing discontent could not be suppressed indefinitely and urged the Centre to address the grievances of the region’s people.She contrasted the NC’s politics with that of her father, former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, crediting him with pursuing reconciliation and better relations with New Delhi. She said the PDP was founded to restore the dignity and identity of Jammu and Kashmir, without any hidden agenda. Describing Jammu and Kashmir as the “crown of India”, Mufti warned against attempts to diminish the region’s identity and stressed the need to rebuild trust. &nbsp;

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti criticised Abdullah’s recent remarks portraying Pakistan’s continued international advocacy of the Kashmir issue as a form of protection for Kashmiris.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday accused the National Conference (NC) and its president, Farooq Abdullah, of double standards over Pakistan, alleging that the party’s shifting political positions had deepened the trust deficit between Kashmiris and the rest of the country. Addressing party workers at Sher-e-Kashmir Park here on the PDP’s foundation day, Mufti criticised Abdullah’s recent remarks portraying Pakistan’s continued international advocacy of the Kashmir issue as a form of protection for Kashmiris. “Today, they claim Pakistan is our protector, implying that the average Kashmiri holds sympathy for Pakistan, even though just days ago they were speaking against it,” she said, alleging that such statements reinforce suspicion against ordinary Kashmiris. Also read: NC faces internal crisis as 20 MLAs seek cabinet overhaul, Srinagar MP to quit party and seat on Nov 3 Mufti blamed the NC’s past politics around Pakistan, plebiscite and autonomy for contributing to the perception of Kashmiris as suspect. She accused the party of misleading people by repeatedly shifting its political position and alleged that its approach had also contributed to the region’s troubled past. Raising concerns over what she described as persistent discrimination, Mufti questioned the harassment of Kashmiri youth, dismissals of government employees, passport-related restrictions and alleged land rights violations. She also flagged the targeting of Kashmiris in Haryana and concerns over the eviction of Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. “Why does India harbour such deep suspicion towards us?” she asked, arguing that peace cannot be sustained through force and restrictions alone. Calling for meaningful dialogue between New Delhi and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti said the prevailing discontent could not be suppressed indefinitely and urged the Centre to address the grievances of the region’s people. She contrasted the NC’s politics with that of her father, former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, crediting him with pursuing reconciliation and better relations with New Delhi. She said the PDP was founded to restore the dignity and identity of Jammu and Kashmir, without any hidden agenda. Describing Jammu and Kashmir as the “crown of India”, Mufti warned against attempts to diminish the region’s identity and stressed the need to rebuild trust.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti criticised Abdullah’s recent remarks portraying Pakistan’s continued international advocacy of the Kashmir issue as a form of protection for Kashmiris.

Mehbooba accuses NC of double standards, says its politics fuel distrust of Kashmiris

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has brought the plight of Kashmir’s traditional artisans back into the spotlight, calling for a waiver of their loans, access to labour welfare benefits and strict enforcement of a law aimed at protecting handmade copperware from machine-made competition.Speaking outside the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Mufti made an impassioned appeal for the protection of the Valley’s traditional crafts, saying that artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations are struggling to sustain their livelihoods as machine-made products eat into their earnings.She urged the government to revive the protective measures introduced during the tenure of her father, former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, under which 26 notified items were required to be manufactured by hand rather than by machines.“Our artisans are important, and we need to promote them,” was the central message of her remarks, in which she underlined the cultural and economic significance of Kashmir’s handicraft traditions and the urgent need for government intervention.Mufti said artisans who once earned around Rs 1,000 a day were now struggling to make even Rs 200 because of machine-made alternatives. She pointed to the difficult working conditions of craftsmen operating out of small shops and said their declining incomes had pushed them into distress.“These artisans’ hands are worth their weight in gold,” she said, arguing that handmade crafts risk losing their value if machines are allowed to replace traditional skills.Calling for immediate relief, Mufti said the artisans should be brought under the labour category so that they could access benefits available to workers. She also demanded that loans of around Rs 1.8 lakh extended to them be waived, citing their precarious financial condition.Invoking the legacy of Shah-e-Hamadan, whom she credited with bringing handicraft traditions to Kashmir, Mufti said the Valley’s artisanal heritage needed active protection rather than being left to compete with industrial production on unequal terms.Alongside the demand for artisan welfare, Mufti used the occasion to turn the spotlight on the condition of roads in Downtown Srinagar, questioning the performance of the Omar Abdullah-led government despite the area having elected representatives with a strong mandate.Pointing to damaged roads and uncovered or hazardous manholes around Jamia Masjid, she said the condition of the neighbourhood was unacceptable given its religious, cultural and historical importance.“Look at the condition of the roads here. I do not know what has happened to the roads,” she said, questioning the gap between repeated political emphasis on Srinagar and the state of its basic civic infrastructure.Mufti noted that the area around Jamia Masjid, along with neighbourhoods associated with prominent religious shrines, deserved far greater attention from the administration.Taking an apparent dig at the National Conference-led government, she questioned what had actually been delivered for the city despite the electoral support extended to its representatives.“You have been elected with so much support and so many votes. Now, at the very least, please take care of these roads,” she said, urging the government to ensure proper repairs rather than allowing residents to continue dealing with deteriorating infrastructure".&nbsp;

Mufti said artisans who once earned around Rs 1,000 a day were now struggling to make even Rs 200 because of machine-made alternatives. She pointed to the difficult working conditions of craftsmen operating out of small shops and said their declining incomes had pushed them into distress.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has brought the plight of Kashmir’s traditional artisans back into the spotlight, calling for a waiver of their loans, access to labour welfare benefits and strict enforcement of a law aimed at protecting handmade copperware from machine-made competition. Speaking outside the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Mufti made an impassioned appeal for the protection of the Valley’s traditional crafts, saying that artisans whose skills have been passed down through generations are struggling to sustain their livelihoods as machine-made products eat into their earnings. She urged the government to revive the protective measures introduced during the tenure of her father, former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, under which 26 notified items were required to be manufactured by hand rather than by machines. “Our artisans are important, and we need to promote them,” was the central message of her remarks, in which she underlined the cultural and economic significance of Kashmir’s handicraft traditions and the urgent need for government intervention. Mufti said artisans who once earned around Rs 1,000 a day were now struggling to make even Rs 200 because of machine-made alternatives. She pointed to the difficult working conditions of craftsmen operating out of small shops and said their declining incomes had pushed them into distress. “These artisans’ hands are worth their weight in gold,” she said, arguing that handmade crafts risk losing their value if machines are allowed to replace traditional skills. Calling for immediate relief, Mufti said the artisans should be brought under the labour category so that they could access benefits available to workers. She also demanded that loans of around Rs 1.8 lakh extended to them be waived, citing their precarious financial condition. Invoking the legacy of Shah-e-Hamadan, whom she credited with bringing handicraft traditions to Kashmir, Mufti said the Valley’s artisanal heritage needed active protection rather than being left to compete with industrial production on unequal terms. Alongside the demand for artisan welfare, Mufti used the occasion to turn the spotlight on the condition of roads in Downtown Srinagar, questioning the performance of the Omar Abdullah-led government despite the area having elected representatives with a strong mandate. Pointing to damaged roads and uncovered or hazardous manholes around Jamia Masjid, she said the condition of the neighbourhood was unacceptable given its religious, cultural and historical importance. “Look at the condition of the roads here. I do not know what has happened to the roads,” she said, questioning the gap between repeated political emphasis on Srinagar and the state of its basic civic infrastructure. Mufti noted that the area around Jamia Masjid, along with neighbourhoods associated with prominent religious shrines, deserved far greater attention from the administration. Taking an apparent dig at the National Conference-led government, she questioned what had actually been delivered for the city despite the electoral support extended to its representatives. “You have been elected with so much support and so many votes. Now, at the very least, please take care of these roads,” she said, urging the government to ensure proper repairs rather than allowing residents to continue dealing with deteriorating infrastructure".

Mufti said artisans who once earned around Rs 1,000 a day were now struggling to make even Rs 200 because of machine-made alternatives. She pointed to the difficult working conditions of craftsmen operating out of small shops and said their declining incomes had pushed them into distress.

Mehbooba Mufti flags artisan distress, demands loan waiver and ban on machine-made copperware

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India in 1947 was rooted in trust, constitutional assurances and a commitment to protecting the region’s distinct identity.Addressing party workers on Accession Day, Mufti said Sheikh Abdullah’s endorsement of the accession had reassured people that India would respect their political aspirations and composite culture.She said safeguards associated with Articles 370 and 35A were intended to protect the region’s identity, land and employment opportunities, not to separate it from India.Recalling the events surrounding Partition, Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir’s accession reflected the vision of India’s founding leadership, which she described as committed to a secular nation. She also pointed to the political fallout surrounding Sheikh Abdullah in 1953 as a turning point in the relationship between Kashmir and the Indian leadership.“We do not know what went wrong, but by 1953, Sheikh Abdullah had turned against this arrangement,” she said, linking the subsequent political developments to growing mistrust.Mufti criticised the BJP over the abrogation of Article 370 and questioned the portrayal of relative calm in the region as a political achievement.“We are not permitted to hold protests on the streets, and the BJP is presenting this ‘enforced peace’ as a victory,” she said, adding that Kashmir’s situation should serve as a warning to the rest of India.Emphasising Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse cultural and demographic identity, she said the accession was based on the expectation that the region’s distinctiveness would be protected.“Our land is limited, and we also wanted to protect the employment opportunities available to our people,” she said.Mufti urged people across India to reflect on the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that Accession Day should serve as a reminder of the trust and assurances that underpinned the region’s relationship with the Union.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti says Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India rested on trust and constitutional safeguards, criticising the abrogation of Article 370.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India in 1947 was rooted in trust, constitutional assurances and a commitment to protecting the region’s distinct identity. Addressing party workers on Accession Day, Mufti said Sheikh Abdullah’s endorsement of the accession had reassured people that India would respect their political aspirations and composite culture. She said safeguards associated with Articles 370 and 35A were intended to protect the region’s identity, land and employment opportunities, not to separate it from India. Recalling the events surrounding Partition, Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir’s accession reflected the vision of India’s founding leadership, which she described as committed to a secular nation. She also pointed to the political fallout surrounding Sheikh Abdullah in 1953 as a turning point in the relationship between Kashmir and the Indian leadership. “We do not know what went wrong, but by 1953, Sheikh Abdullah had turned against this arrangement,” she said, linking the subsequent political developments to growing mistrust. Mufti criticised the BJP over the abrogation of Article 370 and questioned the portrayal of relative calm in the region as a political achievement. “We are not permitted to hold protests on the streets, and the BJP is presenting this ‘enforced peace’ as a victory,” she said, adding that Kashmir’s situation should serve as a warning to the rest of India. Emphasising Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse cultural and demographic identity, she said the accession was based on the expectation that the region’s distinctiveness would be protected. “Our land is limited, and we also wanted to protect the employment opportunities available to our people,” she said. Mufti urged people across India to reflect on the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that Accession Day should serve as a reminder of the trust and assurances that underpinned the region’s relationship with the Union.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti says Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India rested on trust and constitutional safeguards, criticising the abrogation of Article 370.

Mehbooba Mufti says J&K acceded to India on ‘terms of trust, not suspicion'

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has sought Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s intervention to revive and strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural sector, urging the Centre to provide dedicated funding for local programming on Doordarshan and Akashvani, particularly DD Kashir, and ensure sustained institutional support for the region’s struggling artistic community.&nbsp;In a letter to Shah, Mehbooba highlighted the role of artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers and other cultural practitioners in preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage, describing them as custodians of its diverse traditions and ambassadors of its composite cultural identity.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-cm-omar-abdullah-demands-mehbooba-mufti-s-apology-over-kashmir-ka-toh-banta-hai-remark-1785139364695">J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah demands Mehbooba Mufti’s apology over ‘Kashmir ka toh banta hai’ remark</a>&nbsp;She called for adequate and dedicated funding to enable DD Kashir and Akashvani Kendras to regularly commission and broadcast quality programmes showcasing the region’s local languages, folk traditions, music, literature, theatre and cinema.Emphasising the need to secure dignified and sustainable livelihoods for those working in the cultural sector, Mehbooba urged the Union Ministry of Culture and other central cultural institutions to introduce targeted programmes and financial initiatives that provide consistent opportunities for local talent.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-support-article-370-i-m-a-dimagi-naxal-mehbooba-mufti-hits-back-at-kiren-rijiju-1786973113277">‘I support Article 370. I’m a dimagi Naxal’: Mehbooba Mufti hits back at Kiren Rijiju</a>&nbsp;“Supporting our artists and strengthening our cultural institutions is not merely a cultural responsibility; it is an investment in India’s cultural unity, national integration and the preservation of our rich civilisational heritage,” she wrote in the letter.&nbsp;Mehbooba also forwarded copies of the letter to the Union Ministers for Information and Broadcasting and Culture, seeking coordinated intervention to strengthen cultural institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. &nbsp;

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking dedicated funding and support to revive Jammu & Kashmir’s cultural sector, local artists, and DD Kashir. 

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has sought Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s intervention to revive and strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural sector, urging the Centre to provide dedicated funding for local programming on Doordarshan and Akashvani, particularly DD Kashir, and ensure sustained institutional support for the region’s struggling artistic community. In a letter to Shah, Mehbooba highlighted the role of artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers and other cultural practitioners in preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s rich heritage, describing them as custodians of its diverse traditions and ambassadors of its composite cultural identity. Also read: J&K CM Omar Abdullah demands Mehbooba Mufti’s apology over ‘Kashmir ka toh banta hai’ remark She called for adequate and dedicated funding to enable DD Kashir and Akashvani Kendras to regularly commission and broadcast quality programmes showcasing the region’s local languages, folk traditions, music, literature, theatre and cinema. Emphasising the need to secure dignified and sustainable livelihoods for those working in the cultural sector, Mehbooba urged the Union Ministry of Culture and other central cultural institutions to introduce targeted programmes and financial initiatives that provide consistent opportunities for local talent. Also read: ‘I support Article 370. I’m a dimagi Naxal’: Mehbooba Mufti hits back at Kiren Rijiju “Supporting our artists and strengthening our cultural institutions is not merely a cultural responsibility; it is an investment in India’s cultural unity, national integration and the preservation of our rich civilisational heritage,” she wrote in the letter. Mehbooba also forwarded copies of the letter to the Union Ministers for Information and Broadcasting and Culture, seeking coordinated intervention to strengthen cultural institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking dedicated funding and support to revive Jammu &amp; Kashmir’s cultural sector, local artists, and DD Kashir.&nbsp;

Mehbooba Mufti seeks Amit Shah’s intervention to revive J&K’s cultural sector

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has hit back at Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s clarification on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘dimagi Naxal’ remark, saying she supports Article 370 and, by implication, accepts the label Rijiju associated with its supporters.&nbsp;Responding to Rijiju’s post on X, Mufti wrote: “I support Article 370. I’m a ‘dimagi Naxal.” Her remark came amid a political controversy over the terminology used by Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15. In his speech, Modi warned that while armed Naxalism had been largely eliminated from the country’s forests, an ideological threat from what he described as ‘dimagi Naxals’ remained. He called for such elements to be identified and isolated.&nbsp;The remarks triggered criticism from opposition leaders, who argued that the term could be used to stigmatise political dissent and ideological disagreement. Congress leader P. Chidambaram, among others, responded by saying he was ‘proud’ to be called a ‘dimagi Naxal’.&nbsp;Amid the political backlash, Rijiju clarified on Sunday that Modi had not described opposition leaders as ‘dimagi Naxal’. He said the Prime Minister’s reference was aimed at people who support Maoists while rejecting the Indian Constitution, those who support separatists and Article 370, and those advocating the separation of the Northeast from the rest of India by targeting the Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the 'Chicken’s Neck'.&nbsp;Mufti’s response directly focused on the reference to Article 370. By reiterating her support for the constitutional provision, she effectively turned Rijiju’s clarification into a political counterattack. Article 370, which provided Jammu and Kashmir with special constitutional status, was effectively abrogated by the Centre in August 2019. Its restoration has remained a central political demand of the PDP and several other political forces in Jammu and Kashmir.The latest exchange has added a distinctly Kashmir-centric dimension to the wider debate over the ‘dimagi Naxal’ label.&nbsp;

 In his speech, Modi warned that while armed Naxalism had been largely eliminated from the country’s forests, an ideological threat from what he described as ‘dimagi Naxals’ remained. He called for such elements to be identified and isolated

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has hit back at Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju’s clarification on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘dimagi Naxal’ remark, saying she supports Article 370 and, by implication, accepts the label Rijiju associated with its supporters. Responding to Rijiju’s post on X, Mufti wrote: “I support Article 370. I’m a ‘dimagi Naxal.” Her remark came amid a political controversy over the terminology used by Prime Minister Modi in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15. In his speech, Modi warned that while armed Naxalism had been largely eliminated from the country’s forests, an ideological threat from what he described as ‘dimagi Naxals’ remained. He called for such elements to be identified and isolated. The remarks triggered criticism from opposition leaders, who argued that the term could be used to stigmatise political dissent and ideological disagreement. Congress leader P. Chidambaram, among others, responded by saying he was ‘proud’ to be called a ‘dimagi Naxal’. Amid the political backlash, Rijiju clarified on Sunday that Modi had not described opposition leaders as ‘dimagi Naxal’. He said the Prime Minister’s reference was aimed at people who support Maoists while rejecting the Indian Constitution, those who support separatists and Article 370, and those advocating the separation of the Northeast from the rest of India by targeting the Siliguri Corridor, popularly known as the 'Chicken’s Neck'. Mufti’s response directly focused on the reference to Article 370. By reiterating her support for the constitutional provision, she effectively turned Rijiju’s clarification into a political counterattack. Article 370, which provided Jammu and Kashmir with special constitutional status, was effectively abrogated by the Centre in August 2019. Its restoration has remained a central political demand of the PDP and several other political forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The latest exchange has added a distinctly Kashmir-centric dimension to the wider debate over the ‘dimagi Naxal’ label.

&nbsp;In his speech, Modi warned that while armed Naxalism had been largely eliminated from the country’s forests, an ideological threat from what he described as ‘dimagi Naxals’ remained. He called for such elements to be identified and isolated.

‘I support Article 370. I’m a dimagi Naxal’: Mehbooba Mufti hits back at Kiren Rijiju

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday announced that the party will stage peaceful protests at all district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, seeking the restoration of Article 370, as she unveiled the party's political roadmap ahead of its 27th Foundation Day.&nbsp;Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said the PDP would continue to pursue the restoration of Article 370 and the reinstatement of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir as part of what she described as the party's vision of "peace with dignity."&nbsp;She said the party would also advocate dialogue among the regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to bridge regional differences and strengthen mutual trust. Mufti called for the reopening of traditional routes connecting the two parts of Kashmir and urged the Centre to allow Kashmiri Pandits to undertake pilgrimages to the Sharda Peeth shrine across the Line of Control.&nbsp;Among the party's key demands, she sought the release of all political detainees and undertrial prisoners, including those who have been granted bail but continue to remain in custody. She also called for Army personnel to be relocated to barracks from areas where militancy has been eliminated, arguing that civilian spaces should be restored in regions that have returned to normalcy.&nbsp;On the economic front, the PDP chief demanded compensation for Jammu and Kashmir's power deficit, either through subsidised electricity or by transferring ownership of two central hydropower projects to the Union Territory. She also advocated granting separate divisional status to the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal regions and reiterated the party's commitment to the rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.&nbsp;Addressing the controversy surrounding her recent remarks at Jantar Mantar, Mufti said her statement had been misrepresented because of an inadvertent omission during her speech. She explained that she had been referring to the use of pellet guns in Kashmir and had accidentally omitted the word "bahana" (pretext), resulting in an incomplete statement.&nbsp;"I have spent 30 years of my political career reaching out to people who were victims of Ikhwan and other forces. At a time when Farooq Abdullah had left the Valley and was defending AFSPA and other laws, I stood with the people," Mufti said.&nbsp;She maintained that the viral video of her speech was authentic but argued that the omission of a single word had altered the meaning of her remarks. "If people have been hurt by my mistake or by the incomplete sentence, I apologise to those who have been left distraught," she said.&nbsp;Reacting to Mufti's announcement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejected the demand for the restoration of Article 370, accusing the PDP of pursuing an agenda aligned with Pakistan. "The demand for the restoration of Article 370 is nothing but an attempt to revive a failed political narrative," BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said.&nbsp;"Mehbooba Mufti is working according to Pakistan's agenda and at its behest. Today, the biggest issue is Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where, in the last 24 hours, more than 50 people have been killed and hundreds injured due to firing by the Pakistan Army. At Pakistan's direction, Mehbooba Mufti has once again started talking about Article 370 ahead of August 5 to divert attention from what is happening in PoJK.&nbsp;"August 5 marks the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India. It was a historic day. Article 370 has been buried forever and cannot be restored. No one in the world can bring it back. "At a time when the entire world, including the United Nations, is focused on Pakistan, she wants to shift the attention by raising the issue of Article 370. This reflects the ideology of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin. She is carrying forward their agenda," Thakur alleged.

On the economic front, the PDP chief demanded compensation for Jammu and Kashmir's power deficit, either through subsidised electricity or by transferring ownership of two central hydropower projects to the Union Territory. 

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday announced that the party will stage peaceful protests at all district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, seeking the restoration of Article 370, as she unveiled the party's political roadmap ahead of its 27th Foundation Day. Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said the PDP would continue to pursue the restoration of Article 370 and the reinstatement of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir as part of what she described as the party's vision of "peace with dignity." She said the party would also advocate dialogue among the regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to bridge regional differences and strengthen mutual trust. Mufti called for the reopening of traditional routes connecting the two parts of Kashmir and urged the Centre to allow Kashmiri Pandits to undertake pilgrimages to the Sharda Peeth shrine across the Line of Control. Among the party's key demands, she sought the release of all political detainees and undertrial prisoners, including those who have been granted bail but continue to remain in custody. She also called for Army personnel to be relocated to barracks from areas where militancy has been eliminated, arguing that civilian spaces should be restored in regions that have returned to normalcy. On the economic front, the PDP chief demanded compensation for Jammu and Kashmir's power deficit, either through subsidised electricity or by transferring ownership of two central hydropower projects to the Union Territory. She also advocated granting separate divisional status to the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal regions and reiterated the party's commitment to the rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. Addressing the controversy surrounding her recent remarks at Jantar Mantar, Mufti said her statement had been misrepresented because of an inadvertent omission during her speech. She explained that she had been referring to the use of pellet guns in Kashmir and had accidentally omitted the word "bahana" (pretext), resulting in an incomplete statement. "I have spent 30 years of my political career reaching out to people who were victims of Ikhwan and other forces. At a time when Farooq Abdullah had left the Valley and was defending AFSPA and other laws, I stood with the people," Mufti said. She maintained that the viral video of her speech was authentic but argued that the omission of a single word had altered the meaning of her remarks. "If people have been hurt by my mistake or by the incomplete sentence, I apologise to those who have been left distraught," she said. Reacting to Mufti's announcement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejected the demand for the restoration of Article 370, accusing the PDP of pursuing an agenda aligned with Pakistan. "The demand for the restoration of Article 370 is nothing but an attempt to revive a failed political narrative," BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said. "Mehbooba Mufti is working according to Pakistan's agenda and at its behest. Today, the biggest issue is Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where, in the last 24 hours, more than 50 people have been killed and hundreds injured due to firing by the Pakistan Army. At Pakistan's direction, Mehbooba Mufti has once again started talking about Article 370 ahead of August 5 to divert attention from what is happening in PoJK. "August 5 marks the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India. It was a historic day. Article 370 has been buried forever and cannot be restored. No one in the world can bring it back. "At a time when the entire world, including the United Nations, is focused on Pakistan, she wants to shift the attention by raising the issue of Article 370. This reflects the ideology of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin. She is carrying forward their agenda," Thakur alleged.

On the economic front, the PDP chief demanded compensation for Jammu and Kashmir's power deficit, either through subsidised electricity or by transferring ownership of two central hydropower projects to the Union Territory.&nbsp;

PDP to stage August 5 protests seeking Article 370 restoration; BJP accuses Mehbooba of following Pakistan's agenda

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti addressed students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday and described their ongoing struggle over the NEET controversy as the “ultimate NEET exam” while urging them to remain steadfast in their demand for fairness and accountability.&nbsp;Speaking to students gathered for the protest, Mufti said the sacrifices they had made by leaving their homes and families and enduring difficult conditions reflected a test of courage and determination.&nbsp;“The fact that you have left behind your homes and families to toil here in this heat, this is the ultimate NEET exam for you. There must be no ‘leak’ in this test,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-plant-50-gm-mumbai-cop-shunted-for-threatening-to-fabricate-drug-charges-on-protesters-probe-ordered-1784805108224">‘Will plant 50gm’: Mumbai cop shunted for threatening to fabricate drug charges on protesters; probe ordered</a>&nbsp;Mufti argued that the outcome of the students’ movement would have consequences beyond the entrance examination itself. She said that a successful campaign would send a strong message against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and reinforce the principle that public institutions must be held accountable.&nbsp;In an address that linked the students’ protest to broader issues of governance and justice, she said victory would mean that “no one will ever dare to leak a NEET paper again”. She also referred to other issues, including alleged corruption and crime against women, saying that public accountability must extend across all spheres.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/standing-invitation-sent-four-proposals-centre-invites-cjp-again-for-talks-1784801202195">‘Standing invitation, sent four proposals’: Centre invites CJP again for talks</a>&nbsp;Framing the movement as a defence of constitutional values, Mufti invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and said the students’ struggle was ultimately about protecting democracy and the rule of law.&nbsp;“If you emerge victorious, our Constitution will triumph. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution will triumph. Our democracy will triumph,” she said.&nbsp;Mehbooba also hailed the families supporting aspiring students and said the struggle represents the hopes of parents who make financial sacrifices to fund their children’s education and of young people whose futures depend on a fair examination process.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the outcome of the students’ movement would have consequences beyond entrance exams and its success would send a strong message against alleged irregularities in competitive exams and reinforce the principle that public institutions must be held accountable.

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti addressed students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday and described their ongoing struggle over the NEET controversy as the “ultimate NEET exam” while urging them to remain steadfast in their demand for fairness and accountability. Speaking to students gathered for the protest, Mufti said the sacrifices they had made by leaving their homes and families and enduring difficult conditions reflected a test of courage and determination. “The fact that you have left behind your homes and families to toil here in this heat, this is the ultimate NEET exam for you. There must be no ‘leak’ in this test,” she said. Also Read: ‘Will plant 50gm’: Mumbai cop shunted for threatening to fabricate drug charges on protesters; probe ordered Mufti argued that the outcome of the students’ movement would have consequences beyond the entrance examination itself. She said that a successful campaign would send a strong message against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and reinforce the principle that public institutions must be held accountable. In an address that linked the students’ protest to broader issues of governance and justice, she said victory would mean that “no one will ever dare to leak a NEET paper again”. She also referred to other issues, including alleged corruption and crime against women, saying that public accountability must extend across all spheres. Also Read: ‘Standing invitation, sent four proposals’: Centre invites CJP again for talks Framing the movement as a defence of constitutional values, Mufti invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and said the students’ struggle was ultimately about protecting democracy and the rule of law. “If you emerge victorious, our Constitution will triumph. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution will triumph. Our democracy will triumph,” she said. Mehbooba also hailed the families supporting aspiring students and said the struggle represents the hopes of parents who make financial sacrifices to fund their children’s education and of young people whose futures depend on a fair examination process.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the outcome of the students’ movement would have consequences beyond entrance exams, and its success would send a strong message against alleged irregularities in competitive exams and reinforce the principle that public institutions must be held accountable.

‘Your protest is the ultimate NEET exam,’ Mehbooba Mufti tells students at Jantar Mantar

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti will travel to Iran to attend the funeral ceremonies of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, following an official invitation from the Iranian government.&nbsp;According to the invitation issued by the International Relations Department of the Office of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mufti has been invited as a distinguished guest from India to participate in the state funeral ceremonies being held in Tehran.&nbsp;The invitation states that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attained "martyrdom" on February 28, 2026, and that Iran has declared a national period of mourning. The ceremonies will include a farewell gathering at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla Complex on July 3, a commemorative session at the Summit Conference Hall on July 4, and the funeral procession in Tehran on July 6.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/man-drowns-into-manhole-in-mumbai-amid-heavy-rain-fir-of-culpable-homicide-to-be-filed-against-contractor-1782990628667">Man falls into manhole in Mumbai amid heavy rain, FIR of ‘culpable homicide’ to be filed against contractor</a>&nbsp;The communication describes Mufti's participation as a symbol of the "deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect" between Iran and India, citing the historical and civilizational ties between the two countries.&nbsp;Confirming her visit, PDP spokesperson said Mehbooba Mufti will attend the funeral to pay her last respects to the late Iranian leader and convey her condolences to the people of Iran.&nbsp;The invitation, addressed to the PDP president, extends the highest compliments of the Office of the Supreme Leader and expresses hope that her presence would underscore the longstanding relations between the two nations.&nbsp;The Iranian authorities have reportedly extended invitations to several political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir to attend the funeral ceremonies in Tehran.

The communication describes Muftis participation as a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between Iran and India, citing the historical and civilizational ties between the two countries.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti will travel to Iran to attend the funeral ceremonies of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, following an official invitation from the Iranian government. According to the invitation issued by the International Relations Department of the Office of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mufti has been invited as a distinguished guest from India to participate in the state funeral ceremonies being held in Tehran. The invitation states that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attained "martyrdom" on February 28, 2026, and that Iran has declared a national period of mourning. The ceremonies will include a farewell gathering at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla Complex on July 3, a commemorative session at the Summit Conference Hall on July 4, and the funeral procession in Tehran on July 6. ALSO READ: Man falls into manhole in Mumbai amid heavy rain, FIR of ‘culpable homicide’ to be filed against contractor The communication describes Mufti's participation as a symbol of the "deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect" between Iran and India, citing the historical and civilizational ties between the two countries. Confirming her visit, PDP spokesperson said Mehbooba Mufti will attend the funeral to pay her last respects to the late Iranian leader and convey her condolences to the people of Iran. The invitation, addressed to the PDP president, extends the highest compliments of the Office of the Supreme Leader and expresses hope that her presence would underscore the longstanding relations between the two nations. The Iranian authorities have reportedly extended invitations to several political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir to attend the funeral ceremonies in Tehran.

The communication describes Mufti's participation as a symbol of the "deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect" between Iran and India, citing the historical and civilizational ties between the two countries.

Mehbooba Mufti to attend funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader in Tehran

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday described the annual Amarnath Yatra as an opportunity to counter hatred, prejudice, and misinformation about Kashmir, urging people across the Valley to ensure that pilgrims return home with positive memories of the region and its people.&nbsp;Speaking in Pahalgam, one of the main base camps for the pilgrimage, Mehbooba said every pilgrim visiting Jammu and Kashmir should be treated as a guest and an ambassador who carries the story of Kashmir to different parts of the country.&nbsp;She said the way pilgrims are welcomed and cared for can play a significant role in challenging negative perceptions about Kashmir and strengthening bonds between people from different regions and communities.&nbsp;“Every pilgrim who visits us is a guest of Kashmir. They carry the story of our land, our people, and our values to every corner of India. It is our responsibility to ensure they leave with memories of our love, warmth, and hospitality,” she said.The former Chief Minister emphasised that safeguarding the Amarnath Yatra should not be seen solely as the responsibility of security agencies but as a collective social obligation shared by the people of Kashmir.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-indigo-flight-lands-at-noida-international-airport-jewar-in-historic-milestone-watch-1781499854158">First flight lands at Noida International Airport in historic milestone | WATCH</a><h3>Polarisation vs Coexistence&nbsp;</h3>According to Mehbooba, at a time when society is witnessing increasing polarisation and mistrust, the annual pilgrimage offers an opportunity to promote understanding, strengthen human connections, and reaffirm Kashmir's long-standing traditions of coexistence and communal harmony.&nbsp;She noted that pilgrims who visit the Valley often become first-hand witnesses to Kashmir's culture, hospitality, and social values, making every interaction between locals and visitors meaningful. Mehbooba maintained that misinformation and prejudice directed against Kashmir and its people can be effectively countered through direct engagement and genuine human outreach rather than political rhetoric.&nbsp;The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the Himalayan region, attracts thousands of devotees from across the country every year and is scheduled to commence on July 3.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said every pilgrim visiting Jammu and Kashmir should be treated as a guest and an ambassador who carries the story of Kashmir to different parts of the country.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday described the annual Amarnath Yatra as an opportunity to counter hatred, prejudice, and misinformation about Kashmir, urging people across the Valley to ensure that pilgrims return home with positive memories of the region and its people. Speaking in Pahalgam, one of the main base camps for the pilgrimage, Mehbooba said every pilgrim visiting Jammu and Kashmir should be treated as a guest and an ambassador who carries the story of Kashmir to different parts of the country. She said the way pilgrims are welcomed and cared for can play a significant role in challenging negative perceptions about Kashmir and strengthening bonds between people from different regions and communities. “Every pilgrim who visits us is a guest of Kashmir. They carry the story of our land, our people, and our values to every corner of India. It is our responsibility to ensure they leave with memories of our love, warmth, and hospitality,” she said. The former Chief Minister emphasised that safeguarding the Amarnath Yatra should not be seen solely as the responsibility of security agencies but as a collective social obligation shared by the people of Kashmir. Also read: First flight lands at Noida International Airport in historic milestone | WATCH Polarisation vs Coexistence According to Mehbooba, at a time when society is witnessing increasing polarisation and mistrust, the annual pilgrimage offers an opportunity to promote understanding, strengthen human connections, and reaffirm Kashmir's long-standing traditions of coexistence and communal harmony. She noted that pilgrims who visit the Valley often become first-hand witnesses to Kashmir's culture, hospitality, and social values, making every interaction between locals and visitors meaningful. Mehbooba maintained that misinformation and prejudice directed against Kashmir and its people can be effectively countered through direct engagement and genuine human outreach rather than political rhetoric. The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the Himalayan region, attracts thousands of devotees from across the country every year and is scheduled to commence on July 3.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said every pilgrim visiting Jammu and Kashmir should be treated as a guest and an ambassador who carries the story of Kashmir to different parts of the country.

‘Let pilgrims take home stories of love and warmth’: Mehbooba Mufti

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday responded to PDP President Mehbooba Mufti's public appeal for an all-party initiative to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, clarifying that her request for a meeting was made only recently and had not been pending for an extended period. Reacting to Mufti's letter, which was made public, Omar Abdullah wrote on social media: "Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba, we spoke on Saturday when you asked to meet. I told you I was in Pahalgam on Sunday and would get in touch on Monday or Tuesday to fix a meeting. Your letter gives the impression that I've kept you waiting for an appointment for weeks on end, which is clearly not the case. Be that as it may, your letter to me is now in the public domain, and I will be sending you a reply, similarly routed, once I've consulted my senior party colleagues."&nbsp;The Chief Minister's remarks came after Mehbooba Mufti wrote to him and several political and social leaders across Jammu and Kashmir, urging the formation of a united political platform to engage with the central government on issues concerning the region. In her letter, Mufti proposed the immediate convening of an all-party meeting under Omar Abdullah's leadership to build consensus and coordinate efforts aimed at initiating a meaningful dialogue with New Delhi.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-lg-manoj-sinha-inaugurates-third-edition-of-kashmir-literature-festival-2026-1780130234766">J&amp;K LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival 2026</a>&nbsp;The PDP president reached out to a broad spectrum of political and social leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Peoples Conference Chairman Sajjad Gani Lone, MP Engineer Rashid, AAP President Mehraj Malik, PDF Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, J&amp;K National Panthers Party President Harsh Dev Singh, Shiv Sena (J&amp;K unit) President Manish Sahni, Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti President Sanjay Tickoo, and Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee Chairman Jaspal Singh, among others.&nbsp;Calling for political unity, Mufti appealed to leaders to rise above partisan differences and collectively advocate for the resumption of meaningful dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir. She argued that a united voice was essential to effectively represent the aspirations, concerns, and grievances of the people at the national level. In the letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Mufti said time was running out and that continued delays could prove detrimental to the interests of the people.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/j-k-government-announces-strict-austerity-measures-for-2026-27-fiscal-year-1779534615264">J&amp;K Government Announces Strict Austerity Measures for 2026-27 Fiscal Year</a>&nbsp;Drawing parallels with Ladakh, she cited the engagements of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance with the Central Government as examples of how dialogue can yield positive outcomes. "The recent successes achieved by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance in their engagements with the Central Government offer a crucial lesson that meaningful results can be achieved only through dialogue," she wrote.Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir stood at a critical juncture marked by growing public despair and disillusionment and argued that a broad-based political consensus was necessary to address the prevailing challenges.&nbsp;"To steer Jammu and Kashmir out of the current impasse, it is imperative to forge a broad-based consensus by rising above party lines and political differences. If we wish to restore the dignity and security of our people, constructive engagement with the Government of India is absolutely essential," she stated. She further emphasised that Omar Abdullah, as the elected head of the Jammu and Kashmir government, was best positioned to lead such an initiative and urged him to convene an official all-party meeting without delay.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urges J&K CM Omar Abdullah to lead a Ladakh-like united front for dialogue with New Delhi, amid friction over appointment claims.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday responded to PDP President Mehbooba Mufti's public appeal for an all-party initiative to engage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, clarifying that her request for a meeting was made only recently and had not been pending for an extended period. Reacting to Mufti's letter, which was made public, Omar Abdullah wrote on social media: "Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba, we spoke on Saturday when you asked to meet. I told you I was in Pahalgam on Sunday and would get in touch on Monday or Tuesday to fix a meeting. Your letter gives the impression that I've kept you waiting for an appointment for weeks on end, which is clearly not the case. Be that as it may, your letter to me is now in the public domain, and I will be sending you a reply, similarly routed, once I've consulted my senior party colleagues." The Chief Minister's remarks came after Mehbooba Mufti wrote to him and several political and social leaders across Jammu and Kashmir, urging the formation of a united political platform to engage with the central government on issues concerning the region. In her letter, Mufti proposed the immediate convening of an all-party meeting under Omar Abdullah's leadership to build consensus and coordinate efforts aimed at initiating a meaningful dialogue with New Delhi. Also read: J&K LG Manoj Sinha inaugurates third edition of Kashmir Literature Festival 2026 The PDP president reached out to a broad spectrum of political and social leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma, JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Peoples Conference Chairman Sajjad Gani Lone, MP Engineer Rashid, AAP President Mehraj Malik, PDF Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, J&K National Panthers Party President Harsh Dev Singh, Shiv Sena (J&K unit) President Manish Sahni, Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti President Sanjay Tickoo, and Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee Chairman Jaspal Singh, among others. Calling for political unity, Mufti appealed to leaders to rise above partisan differences and collectively advocate for the resumption of meaningful dialogue on Jammu and Kashmir. She argued that a united voice was essential to effectively represent the aspirations, concerns, and grievances of the people at the national level. In the letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Mufti said time was running out and that continued delays could prove detrimental to the interests of the people. Also read: J&K Government Announces Strict Austerity Measures for 2026-27 Fiscal Year Drawing parallels with Ladakh, she cited the engagements of the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance with the Central Government as examples of how dialogue can yield positive outcomes. "The recent successes achieved by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance in their engagements with the Central Government offer a crucial lesson that meaningful results can be achieved only through dialogue," she wrote. Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir stood at a critical juncture marked by growing public despair and disillusionment and argued that a broad-based political consensus was necessary to address the prevailing challenges. "To steer Jammu and Kashmir out of the current impasse, it is imperative to forge a broad-based consensus by rising above party lines and political differences. If we wish to restore the dignity and security of our people, constructive engagement with the Government of India is absolutely essential," she stated. She further emphasised that Omar Abdullah, as the elected head of the Jammu and Kashmir government, was best positioned to lead such an initiative and urged him to convene an official all-party meeting without delay.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urges J&amp;K CM Omar Abdullah to lead a Ladakh-like united front for dialogue with New Delhi, amid friction over appointment claims.

Mehbooba calls for United Front on J&K; Omar Abdullah counters appointment claim

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the recent statement by the RSS leadership advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying the remarks vindicate the long-held position of the PDP on keeping channels of communication open to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a press conference, Mufti said the statement by the RSS General Secretary on engaging Pakistan was a “welcome step” and reflected the practical realities of regional peacebuilding.&nbsp;“It vindicates the stand of the PDP that if we have to bring peace in Jammu and Kashmir, the window of dialogue must remain open,” Mufti said. Referring to PDP founder Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, she noted that he had consistently advocated engagement between India and Pakistan as the only sustainable path to stability in the region.Invoking former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mufti recalled his famous remark that “you can change your friends but not your neighbours,” stressing that peaceful coexistence required continuous dialogue between the two countries.&nbsp;“It is a good thing if the RSS has said that India needs to hold dialogue with Pakistan,” she said. “Even globally, we are seeing that after prolonged conflicts, countries eventually return to the negotiating table.” Drawing parallels with recent tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, Mufti argued that diplomacy and engagement ultimately become unavoidable.&nbsp;She also referred to earlier phases of India-Pakistan engagement during the tenures of Vajpayee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying those periods had brought relative calm to Jammu and Kashmir. “Whenever dialogue between India and Pakistan happened, the situation here moved towards peace,” she said.Turning to domestic politics, Mufti rejected criticism from leaders of the Jammu &amp; Kashmir National Conference over the PDP’s governance record. She said the PDP had governed Jammu and Kashmir only twice and never with the kind of “huge mandate” enjoyed by the National Conference.&nbsp;She also targeted the National Conference over the power sector, calling it Jammu and Kashmir’s “biggest source of revenue.” Mufti accused successive NC governments of transferring major hydroelectric power projects to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. “Even recently, Omar Abdullah handed two power projects to NHPC,” she alleged. “Had these projects remained with Jammu and Kashmir, the government would not have had to depend on liquor revenue.” &nbsp;

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti welcomes RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's call for India-Pakistan dialogue, stating it vindicates the long-standing peace roadmap of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti welcomed the recent statement by the RSS leadership advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying the remarks vindicate the long-held position of the PDP on keeping channels of communication open to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a press conference, Mufti said the statement by the RSS General Secretary on engaging Pakistan was a “welcome step” and reflected the practical realities of regional peacebuilding. “It vindicates the stand of the PDP that if we have to bring peace in Jammu and Kashmir, the window of dialogue must remain open,” Mufti said. Referring to PDP founder Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, she noted that he had consistently advocated engagement between India and Pakistan as the only sustainable path to stability in the region. Invoking former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mufti recalled his famous remark that “you can change your friends but not your neighbours,” stressing that peaceful coexistence required continuous dialogue between the two countries. “It is a good thing if the RSS has said that India needs to hold dialogue with Pakistan,” she said. “Even globally, we are seeing that after prolonged conflicts, countries eventually return to the negotiating table.” Drawing parallels with recent tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, Mufti argued that diplomacy and engagement ultimately become unavoidable. She also referred to earlier phases of India-Pakistan engagement during the tenures of Vajpayee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, saying those periods had brought relative calm to Jammu and Kashmir. “Whenever dialogue between India and Pakistan happened, the situation here moved towards peace,” she said. Turning to domestic politics, Mufti rejected criticism from leaders of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference over the PDP’s governance record. She said the PDP had governed Jammu and Kashmir only twice and never with the kind of “huge mandate” enjoyed by the National Conference. She also targeted the National Conference over the power sector, calling it Jammu and Kashmir’s “biggest source of revenue.” Mufti accused successive NC governments of transferring major hydroelectric power projects to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. “Even recently, Omar Abdullah handed two power projects to NHPC,” she alleged. “Had these projects remained with Jammu and Kashmir, the government would not have had to depend on liquor revenue.”

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti welcomes RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's call for India-Pakistan dialogue, stating it vindicates the long-standing peace roadmap of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Mehbooba Mufti welcomes RSS call for India-Pakistan dialogue, says it vindicates PDP stand

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister and PDP supremo Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday called for a review of the sentences awarded to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates, citing humanitarian concerns despite ideological differences.&nbsp;Speaking during a plantation drive by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kashmir, Mufti said, “We disagree with their ideology, but there is also a humanitarian aspect to this, as they are advanced in age and have spent a long time in prison.” She also said that Andrabi’s husband has spent over three decades in jail.&nbsp;Mufti urged authorities to consider conditional relief, stating that Andrabi and her associates should be granted parole on humanitarian grounds and that their sentences deserve reconsideration.Her remarks come a day after a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment. The verdict, delivered on March 24 by Additional Sessions Judge Chandrajit Singh at the Karkardooma Court, found Andrabi guilty of multiple offences, including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the state.&nbsp;Two of her associates, Sofie Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also sentenced to 30 years in prison. The court-imposed fines of ₹8 lakh on Andrabi and ₹7 lakh each on Fehmeeda and Nasreen.&nbsp;Andrabi is the founder of the banned separatist organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat.&nbsp;During the event, Mufti also highlighted the environmental message behind the PDP’s plantation drive. Referring to a well-known saying and Islamic teachings, she emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship, stating that planting trees remains a virtuous act even in the face of the end of times.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged authorities to consider conditional relief, stating that Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates should be granted parole on humanitarian grounds and that their sentences deserve reconsideration.

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister and PDP supremo Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday called for a review of the sentences awarded to Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates, citing humanitarian concerns despite ideological differences. Speaking during a plantation drive by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kashmir, Mufti said, “We disagree with their ideology, but there is also a humanitarian aspect to this, as they are advanced in age and have spent a long time in prison.” She also said that Andrabi’s husband has spent over three decades in jail. Mufti urged authorities to consider conditional relief, stating that Andrabi and her associates should be granted parole on humanitarian grounds and that their sentences deserve reconsideration. Her remarks come a day after a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Delhi sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment. The verdict, delivered on March 24 by Additional Sessions Judge Chandrajit Singh at the Karkardooma Court, found Andrabi guilty of multiple offences, including conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and waging war against the state. Two of her associates, Sofie Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also sentenced to 30 years in prison. The court-imposed fines of ₹8 lakh on Andrabi and ₹7 lakh each on Fehmeeda and Nasreen. Andrabi is the founder of the banned separatist organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat. During the event, Mufti also highlighted the environmental message behind the PDP’s plantation drive. Referring to a well-known saying and Islamic teachings, she emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship, stating that planting trees remains a virtuous act even in the face of the end of times.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged authorities to consider conditional relief, stating that Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her associates should be granted parole on humanitarian grounds and that their sentences deserve reconsideration.

Mehbooba Mufti urges review of Asiya Andrabi’s sentence on humanitarian grounds

Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti has stirred a row with her tweet on a Bengali Muslim migrant worker’s killing in Odisha over suspicion of being a Bangladeshi. Odisha Police have dismissed the claims that the labourers were attacked over their identity or nationality and said a heated exchange over ‘bidis’ had spiralled into a fight. In a post on X, Iltija wrote on Friday, “Not India or Bharat nor Hindustan. Thy name is Lynchistaan,” along with a picture of the man who was lynched in Odisha over the suspicions of being an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Not India or Bharat nor Hindustan Thy name is Lynchistaan. <a href="https://t.co/2f8GZz1dS5">pic.twitter.com/2f8GZz1dS5</a>&mdash; Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) <a href="https://twitter.com/IltijaMufti_/status/2004470311212011530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson Abhijeet Jasrotia lashed out at PDP leader Iltija saying that she was indulging in selective outrage. “She only talks about lynchings of Muslims and not Hindus,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-blast-terror-suspect-taken-to-al-falah-university-reveals-where-explosives-were-refined-1766759046589">Delhi blast: Terror suspect taken to Al Falah University, reveals where explosives were refined</a>&nbsp;Another labourer who was present when 19-year-old Juel Sheikh was killed in Sambalpur district has alleged that they were attacked after being asked for identity proof, amid suspicions that they were Bangladeshi nationals.The incident took place on Christmas Eve in Shanti Nagar area of Sambhalpur, where Sheikh and other migrant workers were employed at a construction site.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-of-wars-tariff-turmoil-and-climate-disasters-1766568207775">Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters</a>&nbsp;The labourer alleged that six men approached the migrant workers asking for a bidi and then demanded their Aadhaar cards before launching an attack, leaving Sheikh dead and others injured.“The miscreants first asked bidi from us and then asked me to show our Aadhaar cards. Later, they rammed Juel Sheikh’s head against a hard object,” one of the injured labourers from West Bengal’s Murshidabad district told the news agency PTI.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-dissent-and-angst-triggered-mass-protests-worldwide-1766674340518">Yearender 2025: The year dissent and angst triggered mass protests worldwide</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Heated exchange over bidis spiralled into fight’: Cops&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, police have dismissed claims that the group was attacked over their identity. They said a heated exchange over bidis spiralled into a fight and had nothing to do with their religion or nationality.“The murder has nothing to do with whether the victim was a Bengali or a Bangladeshi,” IGP (Northern Range) Himanshu Kumar Lal said.&nbsp;All six accused involved in the lynching have been arrested.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mothers-have-blind-love-for-raja-betas-who-can-be-villainous-says-hc-gives-30-year-jail-to-man-in-rape-murder-case-1766744403407">Mothers have blind love for ‘raja betas’ who can be villainous, says HC, gives 30-year jail to man in rape, murder case</a>&nbsp;<h2>‘Why don’t you ask Stalin to speak in English or Urdu?‘: Mehbooba snaps at journalist</h2>&nbsp;In another controversy, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti snapped at a journalist who asked her to speak in Urdu instead of Kashmiri. Mehbooba was addressing a press conference in Kashmiri at the PDP headquarters in Srinagar on Friday, when a journalist asked her to speak in Urdu.&nbsp;“Do you want a translation? Why? Translate it. Why don’t you ask Stalin to speak in English or Urdu?” she snapped, referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who speaks only Tamil, his native language.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson Abhijeet Jasrotia lashed out at People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti, saying that she was indulging in selective outrage. “She only talks about lynchings of Muslims and not Hindus,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti has stirred a row with her tweet on a Bengali Muslim migrant worker’s killing in Odisha over suspicion of being a Bangladeshi. Odisha Police have dismissed the claims that the labourers were attacked over their identity or nationality and said a heated exchange over ‘bidis’ had spiralled into a fight. In a post on X, Iltija wrote on Friday, “Not India or Bharat nor Hindustan. Thy name is Lynchistaan,” along with a picture of the man who was lynched in Odisha over the suspicions of being an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh.

Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson Abhijeet Jasrotia lashed out at People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti, saying that she was indulging in selective outrage. “She only talks about lynchings of Muslims and not Hindus,” he said.

‘Thy name is Lynchistaan,’ tweets Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija, stirs controversy

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday (Dec 26) expressed serious concern over the condition of undertrial prisoners from Kashmir who have been lodged in jails outside the Union Territory for several years, alleging neglect by both the administration and the judiciary.&nbsp;Mufti said many of the families of these undertrials lack the financial means to travel long distances to meet their relatives or pursue legal remedies. “These people are undertrials, not convicts. Some of them have been in jail for five to six years without trial,” she said, adding that such treatment violates basic legal principles.&nbsp;She noted that courts had acknowledged the prisoners’ status as undertrials but failed to provide relief. According to Mufti, the High Court dismissed a petition seeking intervention and instead asked the affected individuals to file cases themselves. “How will they do it when they don’t even have the resources to reach the courts?” she asked.&nbsp;Mufti claimed that around 1,260 people from Kashmir are currently lodged in various jails, many of whom remain unidentified and unsupported. While prominent detainees receive attention, she said, poorer prisoners are left without legal or social assistance.&nbsp;The PDP chief also expressed disappointment that the issue was not raised in Parliament, stating that information sought from the administration and police regarding the detainees was not provided. She said the elected government could have compiled and shared these details, and its MPs could have raised the issue in the Parliament.&nbsp;Responding to criticism that she was politicising the matter, Mufti said such allegations were “ironic,” stressing that her concern stems from firsthand knowledge of the suffering endured by affected families. “I will not let this issue rest,” she said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-strikes-against-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-1766739455593">Israel launches strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon</a>&nbsp;Mufti appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his government, and Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir, including Ruhullah Mehdi, to intervene. She argued that not all detainees pose security risks and that many could be shifted back to jails within Kashmir.&nbsp;Expressing disillusionment with the judiciary, Mufti said public faith had been shaken but added that efforts would continue. “We will take up this case again and will not abandon these people,” she said, urging the Chief Minister to personally step in.

Mufti claimed that around 1,260 people from Kashmir are currently lodged in various jails, many of whom remain unidentified and unsupported.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday (Dec 26) expressed serious concern over the condition of undertrial prisoners from Kashmir who have been lodged in jails outside the Union Territory for several years, alleging neglect by both the administration and the judiciary. Mufti said many of the families of these undertrials lack the financial means to travel long distances to meet their relatives or pursue legal remedies. “These people are undertrials, not convicts. Some of them have been in jail for five to six years without trial,” she said, adding that such treatment violates basic legal principles. She noted that courts had acknowledged the prisoners’ status as undertrials but failed to provide relief. According to Mufti, the High Court dismissed a petition seeking intervention and instead asked the affected individuals to file cases themselves. “How will they do it when they don’t even have the resources to reach the courts?” she asked. Mufti claimed that around 1,260 people from Kashmir are currently lodged in various jails, many of whom remain unidentified and unsupported. While prominent detainees receive attention, she said, poorer prisoners are left without legal or social assistance. The PDP chief also expressed disappointment that the issue was not raised in Parliament, stating that information sought from the administration and police regarding the detainees was not provided. She said the elected government could have compiled and shared these details, and its MPs could have raised the issue in the Parliament. Responding to criticism that she was politicising the matter, Mufti said such allegations were “ironic,” stressing that her concern stems from firsthand knowledge of the suffering endured by affected families. “I will not let this issue rest,” she said. Also Read: Israel launches strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon Mufti appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his government, and Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir, including Ruhullah Mehdi, to intervene. She argued that not all detainees pose security risks and that many could be shifted back to jails within Kashmir. Expressing disillusionment with the judiciary, Mufti said public faith had been shaken but added that efforts would continue. “We will take up this case again and will not abandon these people,” she said, urging the Chief Minister to personally step in.

Mufti claimed that around 1,260 people from Kashmir are currently lodged in various jails, many of whom remain unidentified and unsupported.

Mehbooba Mufti raises concern over undertrials lodged outside Kashmir

People’s Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti today filed an application at Kothibagh Police Station in Srinagar, seeking the registration of an FIR against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Iltija, the daughter of former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, held a protest along with PDP women workers before going to the police station to file the complaint.The complaint comes after the viral video that showed Kumar pulling down a Muslim woman's niqab during a government event in Bihar, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage.Before proceeding to the police station, Iltija led a protest along with PDP women workers, denouncing Kumar's alleged conduct as an assault on the dignity of Muslim women.Addressing reporters after submitting the application, Iltija cautioned that such actions are encouraging individuals to disrespect Muslim women by forcibly removing their hijabs and circulating related videos on social media."We warn the BJP and its allies to immediately stop this disrespect towards Muslim women," Iltija stated. "Otherwise, Muslim women across the country will take to the streets and teach them a lesson."She also criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for what she described as a delayed response to Nitish Kumar while unfairly targeting PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in his comments.Both Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija have strongly condemned the Bihar Chief Minister's actions, with the PDP portraying the episode as part of a larger pattern of attacks on Muslim identity. The police have accepted Iltija's application, though no further action has been confirmed at this stage.

The complaint comes after the viral video that showed Kumar pulling down a Muslim woman's niqab during a government event in Bihar, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage.

People’s Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti today filed an application at Kothibagh Police Station in Srinagar, seeking the registration of an FIR against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Iltija, the daughter of former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, held a protest along with PDP women workers before going to the police station to file the complaint. The complaint comes after the viral video that showed Kumar pulling down a Muslim woman's niqab during a government event in Bihar, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage. Before proceeding to the police station, Iltija led a protest along with PDP women workers, denouncing Kumar's alleged conduct as an assault on the dignity of Muslim women. Addressing reporters after submitting the application, Iltija cautioned that such actions are encouraging individuals to disrespect Muslim women by forcibly removing their hijabs and circulating related videos on social media. "We warn the BJP and its allies to immediately stop this disrespect towards Muslim women," Iltija stated. "Otherwise, Muslim women across the country will take to the streets and teach them a lesson." She also criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for what she described as a delayed response to Nitish Kumar while unfairly targeting PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti in his comments. Both Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija have strongly condemned the Bihar Chief Minister's actions, with the PDP portraying the episode as part of a larger pattern of attacks on Muslim identity. The police have accepted Iltija's application, though no further action has been confirmed at this stage.

The complaint comes after the viral video that showed Kumar pulling down a Muslim woman's niqab during a government event in Bihar, an incident that has triggered widespread outrage.

PDP Leader Iltija Mufti seeks FIR against Bihar CM Nitish Kumar in Srinagar over hijab controversy

Peoples Democratic Party Chief and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has raked up a controversy with her statement on the Delhi bomb blast. Mufti while addressing the party's Working Group meeting in Srinagar on Sunday (Nov 16) said the Red Fort car blast was a reflection of the failure of government policies in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and a growing sense of insecurity across the country.&nbsp;"You (Central government) told the world that everything is alright in Kashmir, but the troubles of Kashmir echoed right in front of the Red Fort," said Mufti at the party meet.&nbsp;She accused the BJP government at the Centre of creating a "poisonous atmosphere" in the country which is leading to Kashmiri youth deviating from their path.&nbsp;"A poisonous atmosphere has been created, and that atmosphere is responsible for the youth of Kashmir deviating from their path and creating their own dangerous path. I again tell those youth that what they do is wrong. Doing this work after getting so much education is wrong," she said&nbsp;She further accused the Centre of committing atrocities in Kashmir &nbsp;and creating an atmosphere of terror.&nbsp;"The government has created havoc in Kashmir. They commit atrocities in Kashmir. The government should end the atmosphere of terror in Kashmir. These people say that everything is fine in Kashmir, but the problems of Kashmir were expressed in front of the Red Fort in Delhi," &nbsp;Mufti added.<h2>BJP Slams Mehbooba Mufti&nbsp;</h2>The comments by mufti led to sharp criticism by the BJP. Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari taking to X wrote, “Mufti, who backed terrorist Burhan Wani, now justifies terrorists of the Red Fort Blast. Says – ‘Hindu Muslim and hate responsible for terrorism’."&nbsp;senior BJP leader Ravinder Raina said, "It is condemnable. She is trying to destabilise the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Being a former Chief Minister, she should refrain from giving such statements. PM Modi has done a lot for Jammu and Kashmir."<h2>The Red Fort Blast</h2>A white Hyundai i20 exploded near Red Fort in Delhi on November 10 in which ten people died and thirty two were injured. The suicide bomber was identified as Umar Mohammad - a resident of Kashmir. The blast happened on a day when 2,900 kg of explosives were found in Haryana's Faridabad, bordering the national capital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP government at the Centre of creating a poisonous atmosphere in the country which has led to Kashmiri youth deviating from their path.

Peoples Democratic Party Chief and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has raked up a controversy with her statement on the Delhi bomb blast. Mufti while addressing the party's Working Group meeting in Srinagar on Sunday (Nov 16) said the Red Fort car blast was a reflection of the failure of government policies in Jammu & Kashmir and a growing sense of insecurity across the country. "You (Central government) told the world that everything is alright in Kashmir, but the troubles of Kashmir echoed right in front of the Red Fort," said Mufti at the party meet. She accused the BJP government at the Centre of creating a "poisonous atmosphere" in the country which is leading to Kashmiri youth deviating from their path. "A poisonous atmosphere has been created, and that atmosphere is responsible for the youth of Kashmir deviating from their path and creating their own dangerous path. I again tell those youth that what they do is wrong. Doing this work after getting so much education is wrong," she said She further accused the Centre of committing atrocities in Kashmir and creating an atmosphere of terror. "The government has created havoc in Kashmir. They commit atrocities in Kashmir. The government should end the atmosphere of terror in Kashmir. These people say that everything is fine in Kashmir, but the problems of Kashmir were expressed in front of the Red Fort in Delhi," Mufti added. BJP Slams Mehbooba Mufti The comments by mufti led to sharp criticism by the BJP. Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari taking to X wrote, “Mufti, who backed terrorist Burhan Wani, now justifies terrorists of the Red Fort Blast. Says – ‘Hindu Muslim and hate responsible for terrorism’." senior BJP leader Ravinder Raina said, "It is condemnable. She is trying to destabilise the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Being a former Chief Minister, she should refrain from giving such statements. PM Modi has done a lot for Jammu and Kashmir." The Red Fort Blast A white Hyundai i20 exploded near Red Fort in Delhi on November 10 in which ten people died and thirty two were injured. The suicide bomber was identified as Umar Mohammad - a resident of Kashmir. The blast happened on a day when 2,900 kg of explosives were found in Haryana's Faridabad, bordering the national capital.

Mehbooba Mufti accused the BJP government at the Centre of creating a "poisonous atmosphere" in the country which has led to Kashmiri youth deviating from their path.

'Troubles of Kashmir...' Mehbooba Mufti's shocking comments on Red Fort blast stirs row, draws firm rebukes

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, urging immediate judicial intervention to address what she describes as a "humanitarian crisis" affecting hundreds of undertrial prisoners from the Union Territory.The petition seeks the repatriation of all undertrials currently lodged in jails outside Jammu and Kashmir, including facilities in Agra, Bareilly, Haryana, and other states back to prisons within the region. Mufti argues that detention in distant locations violates fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, severely restricting prisoners' access to courts, legal counsel, and family members.&nbsp;"These young people are not statistics; they are our children, sons of the soil," Mufti said in a public statement. "They deserve respect, a fair trial, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives."&nbsp;The PIL demands the establishment of a high-level monitoring and grievance redressal committee to audit undertrial records and recommend disciplinary action against errant officials. It also calls for: A standardized protocol ensuring regular family visits and unrestricted lawyer-client meetings. State-funded monthly travel for one family member until prisoners are returned. Quarterly judicial reviews of exceptional cases where detention outside J&amp;K continues, with written justification from prison authorities. &nbsp;&nbsp;"Delay in justice is tantamount to denial of justice," Mufti emphasized. "Every delay violates the right to life and liberty under Article 21." The petition highlights how prolonged separation from home territories has led to delayed trials, proceedings conducted in absentia, and families unable to afford long-distance travel. "For years, hundreds of our youth have been imprisoned far from home," Mufti stated. "Trials are delayed, justice remains out of reach. This is not the idea of justice that our Constitution envisions."&nbsp;In a direct appeal to the Chief Justice, Mufti declared: "Our courts are our last hope. We have faith in our judiciary. I believe the day is not far when justice will be served, and our courts will ensure ghar wapsi – the return of all prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir to their homeland." This is not Mufti's first intervention on prison reforms. Earlier in 2025, she had advocated for systematic overhaul of Joint Interrogation Centres in the region following a Supreme Court directive on custodial torture.The case underscores broader concerns about criminal justice administration in Jammu and Kashmir, with Mufti insisting the issue transcends politics: "This is about justice, humanity, and compassion."

Mehbooba Mufti filed a PIL in the J&K High Court seeking the return of undertrial prisoners held outside the region, calling it a humanitarian crisis. She argues their detention violates rights to fair trial and family access

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, urging immediate judicial intervention to address what she describes as a "humanitarian crisis" affecting hundreds of undertrial prisoners from the Union Territory. The petition seeks the repatriation of all undertrials currently lodged in jails outside Jammu and Kashmir, including facilities in Agra, Bareilly, Haryana, and other states back to prisons within the region. Mufti argues that detention in distant locations violates fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, severely restricting prisoners' access to courts, legal counsel, and family members. "These young people are not statistics; they are our children, sons of the soil," Mufti said in a public statement. "They deserve respect, a fair trial, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives." The PIL demands the establishment of a high-level monitoring and grievance redressal committee to audit undertrial records and recommend disciplinary action against errant officials. It also calls for: A standardized protocol ensuring regular family visits and unrestricted lawyer-client meetings. State-funded monthly travel for one family member until prisoners are returned. Quarterly judicial reviews of exceptional cases where detention outside J&K continues, with written justification from prison authorities. "Delay in justice is tantamount to denial of justice," Mufti emphasized. "Every delay violates the right to life and liberty under Article 21." The petition highlights how prolonged separation from home territories has led to delayed trials, proceedings conducted in absentia, and families unable to afford long-distance travel. "For years, hundreds of our youth have been imprisoned far from home," Mufti stated. "Trials are delayed, justice remains out of reach. This is not the idea of justice that our Constitution envisions." In a direct appeal to the Chief Justice, Mufti declared: "Our courts are our last hope. We have faith in our judiciary. I believe the day is not far when justice will be served, and our courts will ensure ghar wapsi – the return of all prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir to their homeland." This is not Mufti's first intervention on prison reforms. Earlier in 2025, she had advocated for systematic overhaul of Joint Interrogation Centres in the region following a Supreme Court directive on custodial torture. The case underscores broader concerns about criminal justice administration in Jammu and Kashmir, with Mufti insisting the issue transcends politics: "This is about justice, humanity, and compassion."

Mehbooba Mufti filed a PIL in the J&amp;K High Court seeking the return of undertrial prisoners held outside the region, calling it a humanitarian crisis. She argues their detention violates rights to fair trial and family access

Mehbooba Mufti files PIL for urgent jail reforms, calls for return of J&K undertrials

In a firm stance during Tuesday's (October 28) assembly session, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected the PDP's proposed Land Regularisation Bill. The decision comes despite the PDP's recent support for the National Conference in the Rajya Sabha elections, where the NC secured three of the four available seats from the Union Territory. PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sought the ruling party's support for bills her party planned to introduce in the assembly. However, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected them, arguing that they would amount to legalizing the illegal occupation of state land.&nbsp;Specifically, Abdullah rejected a bill moved by PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para, which sought to grant proprietary rights over state and Kacharai (grazing) lands. He said that the government could not legitimise unlawful encroachments on public property. Abdullah urged Para to withdraw the bill, emphasizing that it contravened existing laws and land regulations. "We cannot legalise illegal occupation of state land,” said Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-scare-at-igi-airport-as-bus-bursts-into-flames-near-terminal-3-no-injuries-reported-1761643374404">WATCH | Scare at Delhi's IGI airport as bus bursts into flames near Terminal 3; no injuries reported</a>&nbsp;However, PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para refused to withdraw the bill, accusing the government of rejecting it for political motives. “You're opposing it to align with your own policies—because the BJP labels it 'land jihad.' Don't fear them,” he challenged. “Those who have lived in these homes for the past twenty years must be regularized and granted ownership documents. After August 5, 2019, residents began receiving eviction notices and were ordered to vacate. We seek support to formalize these properties—this bill is about securing the homes and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Waheed Para, PDP MLA.&nbsp;&nbsp;Para insisted the bill was intended to grant relief to families who have lived on or cultivated these lands for decades, while the government countered that established legal procedures could not be circumvented. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated that land rights must be addressed through lawful channels alone, and the government would not endorse any measure that risked encouraging further encroachments on state property.

PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sought the ruling party's support for bills her party planned to introduce in the assembly

In a firm stance during Tuesday's (October 28) assembly session, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected the PDP's proposed Land Regularisation Bill. The decision comes despite the PDP's recent support for the National Conference in the Rajya Sabha elections, where the NC secured three of the four available seats from the Union Territory. PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sought the ruling party's support for bills her party planned to introduce in the assembly. However, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected them, arguing that they would amount to legalizing the illegal occupation of state land. Specifically, Abdullah rejected a bill moved by PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para, which sought to grant proprietary rights over state and Kacharai (grazing) lands. He said that the government could not legitimise unlawful encroachments on public property. Abdullah urged Para to withdraw the bill, emphasizing that it contravened existing laws and land regulations. "We cannot legalise illegal occupation of state land,” said Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: WATCH | Scare at Delhi's IGI airport as bus bursts into flames near Terminal 3; no injuries reported However, PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para refused to withdraw the bill, accusing the government of rejecting it for political motives. “You're opposing it to align with your own policies—because the BJP labels it 'land jihad.' Don't fear them,” he challenged. “Those who have lived in these homes for the past twenty years must be regularized and granted ownership documents. After August 5, 2019, residents began receiving eviction notices and were ordered to vacate. We seek support to formalize these properties—this bill is about securing the homes and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Waheed Para, PDP MLA. Para insisted the bill was intended to grant relief to families who have lived on or cultivated these lands for decades, while the government countered that established legal procedures could not be circumvented. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated that land rights must be addressed through lawful channels alone, and the government would not endorse any measure that risked encouraging further encroachments on state property.

PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti sought the ruling party's support for bills her party planned to introduce in the assembly

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejects PDP's Land Regularisation Bill in assembly

In a pointed critique of the ruling National Conference (NC) government, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti announced on Thursday that her party, despite holding just three seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, will extend its support to the NC during the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The move, she emphasised, underscores a fragile unity against perceived threats to democratic norms—but not without sharp warnings to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.&nbsp;Mufti, addressing party workers and the media in Srinagar, reflected on the PDP's electoral mandate while decrying what she described as a renewed clampdown on free speech in the region. "We fought elections for the freedom of speech," Mufti declared, "but I hear it's being suppressed again. Selected journalists are being allowed to enter the assembly."&nbsp;The PDP chief reserved her harshest words for the contentious Land Regularisation Bill, a proposed legislation and a measure critics have dubbed "land jihad" for allegedly favouring certain communities at the expense of indigenous rights. Positioning herself as a staunch defender of Kashmiri land rights, Mufti issued a direct challenge to Abdullah: "The Leader of the Opposition has said we will see how the Land Regularisation Bill is tabled. It's a land jihad, and I want to tell Omar Abdullah to ensure that the bill comes in the assembly and it's passed. Otherwise, it will be a betrayal."&nbsp;"People will then decide it, and it will also get clear who is supporting the BJP."The reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) evoked long-standing accusations that the NC has softened its stance toward New Delhi's policies post the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, potentially at the cost of regional autonomy.&nbsp;Mehbooba Further added that "We support Shammi Oberoi for the third seat and will vote accordingly. However, we will not vote for the fourth seat to avoid contributing to their defeat. The NC should redirect their votes for the fourth seat, ''

Mufti, addressing party workers and the media in Srinagar, reflected on the PDP electoral mandate while decrying what she described as a renewed clampdown on free speech in the region.

In a pointed critique of the ruling National Conference (NC) government, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti announced on Thursday that her party, despite holding just three seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, will extend its support to the NC during the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. The move, she emphasised, underscores a fragile unity against perceived threats to democratic norms—but not without sharp warnings to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Mufti, addressing party workers and the media in Srinagar, reflected on the PDP's electoral mandate while decrying what she described as a renewed clampdown on free speech in the region. "We fought elections for the freedom of speech," Mufti declared, "but I hear it's being suppressed again. Selected journalists are being allowed to enter the assembly." The PDP chief reserved her harshest words for the contentious Land Regularisation Bill, a proposed legislation and a measure critics have dubbed "land jihad" for allegedly favouring certain communities at the expense of indigenous rights. Positioning herself as a staunch defender of Kashmiri land rights, Mufti issued a direct challenge to Abdullah: "The Leader of the Opposition has said we will see how the Land Regularisation Bill is tabled. It's a land jihad, and I want to tell Omar Abdullah to ensure that the bill comes in the assembly and it's passed. Otherwise, it will be a betrayal." "People will then decide it, and it will also get clear who is supporting the BJP." The reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) evoked long-standing accusations that the NC has softened its stance toward New Delhi's policies post the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, potentially at the cost of regional autonomy. Mehbooba Further added that "We support Shammi Oberoi for the third seat and will vote accordingly. However, we will not vote for the fourth seat to avoid contributing to their defeat. The NC should redirect their votes for the fourth seat, ''

Mufti, addressing party workers and the media in Srinagar, reflected on the PDP electoral mandate while decrying what she described as a renewed clampdown on free speech in the region.

Mehbooba Mufti announces support to National Conference for the upcoming Rajya Sabha Elections

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has laid out conditions for extending her party’s support to the National Conference (NC) in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, tying it to the NC’s stance on two key legislations proposed by the PDP. &nbsp;Speaking to media in Srinagar, Mufti revealed that she discussed the matter with NC president Farooq Abdullah, emphasizing that PDP’s backing hinges on the NC’s support for the Land Bill and the Regularisation of Daily Wagers Bill, set to be introduced in the ongoing Assembly session this month.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mufti’s remarks come amid growing tensions with the NC-Congress alliance government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. She accused the administration of “failing on all fronts” and reneging on its pre-poll promises, leading to a further decline in governance in the Kashmir Valley. “The Omar Abdullah government&nbsp;has let down the people, and ordinary citizens continue to suffer due to its inability to deliver,” she said.&nbsp;Taking a sharp jab at recent administrative decisions, Mufti criticized the NC-led government for what she called the “normalization” of dismissing employees on allegations of supporting secessionist activities without thorough investigations. “Such actions undermine justice and fairness,” she said, urging the government to address these concerns transparently. In the Rajya Sabha elections, Mufti disclosed that Farooq Abdullah had reached out to seek PDP’s support for NC candidates. “I made it clear to him that our support is conditional. The National Conference must back the Land Bill and the Regularisation of Daily Wagers Bill in the Assembly. These are critical issues for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we will not compromise,” she asserted.&nbsp;The Land Bill aims to address land-related grievances, while the Regularisation of Daily Wagers Bill seeks to provide job security to thousands of temporary workers in the region. Mufti emphasized that these legislations are central to the PDP’s agenda to address long-standing socio-economic challenges faced by the people.&nbsp;With the Rajya Sabha elections approaching, Mufti’s conditions signal a strategic move by the PDP to leverage its influence in the Assembly, where the NC-Congress alliance holds a majority but may need additional support to secure seats in the Upper House. Political analysts view this as a test of the NC’s willingness to collaborate on key policy issues amid strained relations between the two parties. As the Assembly session progresses, all eyes will be on the NC’s response to the PDP’s demands and the potential impact on the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Mehbooba Mufti sets conditions for PDP support in Rajya Sabha polls

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has laid out conditions for extending her party’s support to the National Conference (NC) in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, tying it to the NC’s stance on two key legislations proposed by the PDP. Speaking to media in Srinagar, Mufti revealed that she discussed the matter with NC president Farooq Abdullah, emphasizing that PDP’s backing hinges on the NC’s support for the Land Bill and the Regularisation of Daily Wagers Bill, set to be introduced in the ongoing Assembly session this month. Mufti’s remarks come amid growing tensions with the NC-Congress alliance government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. She accused the administration of “failing on all fronts” and reneging on its pre-poll promises, leading to a further decline in governance in the Kashmir Valley. “The Omar Abdullah government has let down the people, and ordinary citizens continue to suffer due to its inability to deliver,” she said. Taking a sharp jab at recent administrative decisions, Mufti criticized the NC-led government for what she called the “normalization” of dismissing employees on allegations of supporting secessionist activities without thorough investigations. “Such actions undermine justice and fairness,” she said, urging the government to address these concerns transparently. In the Rajya Sabha elections, Mufti disclosed that Farooq Abdullah had reached out to seek PDP’s support for NC candidates. “I made it clear to him that our support is conditional. The National Conference must back the Land Bill and the Regularisation of Daily Wagers Bill in the Assembly. These are critical issues for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and we will not compromise,” she asserted. The Land Bill aims to address land-related grievances, while the Regularisation of Daily Wagers Bill seeks to provide job security to thousands of temporary workers in the region. Mufti emphasized that these legislations are central to the PDP’s agenda to address long-standing socio-economic challenges faced by the people. With the Rajya Sabha elections approaching, Mufti’s conditions signal a strategic move by the PDP to leverage its influence in the Assembly, where the NC-Congress alliance holds a majority but may need additional support to secure seats in the Upper House. Political analysts view this as a test of the NC’s willingness to collaborate on key policy issues amid strained relations between the two parties. As the Assembly session progresses, all eyes will be on the NC’s response to the PDP’s demands and the potential impact on the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mufti’s remarks come amid growing tensions with the NC-Congress alliance government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), visited Tatoo Ground in Chattabal today. Her visit was prompted by appeals from local youth advocating for a dedicated space to foster community engagement, sports, and cultural activities. During her visit, Mufti underscored the significance of the ground as a crucial asset for the youth, urging the Army's 15 Corps Commander to consider relinquishing the area for community use. "Our young people deserve safe, accessible spaces to participate in sports and other positive activities," she stated.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cloudburst-in-j-k-pakistan-floods-in-punjab-australia-enjoys-late-winter-snowfall-wion-1756619963102/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cloudburst-in-j-k-pakistan-floods-in-punjab-australia-enjoys-late-winter-snowfall-wion-1756619963102/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Mufti voiced deep concern over the shrinking availability of spaces for youth, linking it to growing challenges like drug abuse, despair, and alienation among young people. "We must cultivate environments that promote positivity and engagement to prevent our youth from slipping into negativity," she cautioned.&nbsp;Mufti advocated for collaborative efforts between local authorities, the Army, and civil society to ensure that spaces like Tatoo Ground are restored to the public, empowering youth and strengthening the social fabric of the region.

Mufti voiced deep concern over the shrinking availability of spaces for youth, linking it to growing challenges like drug abuse, despair, and alienation among young people.

Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), visited Tatoo Ground in Chattabal today. Her visit was prompted by appeals from local youth advocating for a dedicated space to foster community engagement, sports, and cultural activities. During her visit, Mufti underscored the significance of the ground as a crucial asset for the youth, urging the Army's 15 Corps Commander to consider relinquishing the area for community use. "Our young people deserve safe, accessible spaces to participate in sports and other positive activities," she stated. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cloudburst-in-j-k-pakistan-floods-in-punjab-australia-enjoys-late-winter-snowfall-wion-1756619963102/embed Mufti voiced deep concern over the shrinking availability of spaces for youth, linking it to growing challenges like drug abuse, despair, and alienation among young people. "We must cultivate environments that promote positivity and engagement to prevent our youth from slipping into negativity," she cautioned. Mufti advocated for collaborative efforts between local authorities, the Army, and civil society to ensure that spaces like Tatoo Ground are restored to the public, empowering youth and strengthening the social fabric of the region.

Mufti voiced deep concern over the shrinking availability of spaces for youth, linking it to growing challenges like drug abuse, despair, and alienation among young people.

Mehbooba Mufti appeals to authorities to preserve playground for youth

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday slammed Mehbooba Mufti for criticising his efforts to revive the Tulbul Navigation Project and termed it an attempt for &ldquo;cheap publicity&rdquo; and to &ldquo;appease certain sections&rdquo; in Pakistan.
The Tulbul Navigation Project to rejuvenate the Jhelum-fed Wular Lake in Bandipora district was started in 1987 but was stalled in 2007 after Pakistan raised objections.
Omar, who has always been critical of the Indus Waters Treaty while calling it &ldquo;deeply unfair&rdquo; to the people of J&amp;K, had sought revival of the Tulbul Navigation Project, which he said would enable the use of Jhelum water for navigation and improve power generation during harsh winters.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/future-of-oppns-india-bloc-not-so-bright-bjp-formidable-chidambaram-forewarns-for-2029-9075545">&lsquo;Future of oppn&rsquo;s INDIA bloc not so bright, BJP formidable...&rsquo;: Chidambaram forewarns for 2029</a>
&ldquo;The Wular Lake in North Kashmir. The civil works you see in the video is the Tulbul Navigation Barrage. It was started in the early 1980s but had to be abandoned under pressure from Pakistan citing the Indus Water Treaty. Now that the IWT has been &ldquo;temporarily suspended&rdquo; I wonder if we will be able to resume the project,&rdquo; Abdullah posted on X while sharing a video of the river.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maqrkn85-px8usrc0-fvc3khfs">
The Wular lake in North Kashmir. The civil works you see in the video is the Tulbul Navigation Barrage. It was started in the early 1980s but had to be abandoned under pressure from Pakistan citing the Indus Water Treaty. Now that the IWT has been &ldquo;temporarily suspended&rdquo; I&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/MQbGSXJKvq">pic.twitter.com/MQbGSXJKvq</a>
&mdash; Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1922919548447019236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>&lsquo;Statements irresponsible, dangerously provocative&rsquo;: Mehbooba</h2>
Mufti reacted to the proposal and said it was being put forth at a time when India and Pakistan have just stepped back from the brink of a &ldquo;full-fledged war.&rdquo; &ldquo;At a time when both countries have just stepped back from the brink of a full-fledged war&mdash;with Jammu and Kashmir bearing the brunt through the loss of innocent lives, widespread destruction, and immense suffering such statements are not only irresponsible but also dangerously provocative. Our people deserve peace as much as anyone else in the country. Weaponizing something as essential and life giving as water is not only inhumane but also risks internationalizing what should remain a bilateral matter,&rdquo; the PDP leader wrote on X.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-maqrl642-b168qmlv-dxiqwdfq">
J&amp;K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah&rsquo;s call to revive the Tulbul Navigation Project amid ongoing tensions between India &amp; Pakistan is deeply unfortunate. At a time when both countries have just stepped back from the brink of a full-fledged war&mdash;with Jammu and Kashmir bearing the brunt&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/LZrVAhIukQ">https://t.co/LZrVAhIukQ</a>
&mdash; Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1923250828107829476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>&lsquo;Cheap publicity, attempt to please some people in Pakistan&rsquo;</h2>
Responding to Mufti, Abdullah slammed her remarks as &ldquo;cheap publicity&rdquo; and attempt to &ldquo;please some people&rdquo; in Pakistan and refused to acknowledge the disadvantages of signing the IWT. &ldquo;Actually, what is unfortunate is that with your blind lust to try to score cheap publicity points &amp; please some people sitting across the border, you refuse to acknowledge that the IWT has been one of the biggest historic betrayals of the interests of the people of J&amp;K. I have always opposed this treaty &amp; I will continue to do so. Opposing a blatantly unfair treaty is in no way, shape, size, or form &ldquo;warmongering&rdquo;, it&rsquo;s about correcting a historic injustice that denied the people of J&amp;K the right to use our water for ourselves,&rdquo; the J&amp;K CM wrote on X.
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<h2>&lsquo;Time will reveal&rsquo;: PDP leader</h2>
Time will reveal who seeks to appease whom, Mufti said in response, as the exchange between the two politicians continued. &ldquo;However, it&rsquo;s worth recalling that your esteemed grandfather Sheikh Sahab once advocated for accession to Pakistan for over two decades after losing power. But post being reinstated as Chief Minister he suddenly reversed his stance by aligning with India,&rdquo; she said. She added that the PDP has always upheld its convictions and commitments, unlike the NC which has shifted loyalties dramatically according to political expediency.&nbsp; &ldquo;We don&rsquo;t need to stoke tensions or adopt warmongering rhetoric to validate our dedication. Our actions speak for themselves,&rdquo; she said.
<h2>Taking cheap shots: Abdullah</h2>
Abdullah responded to Mufti again and said that she can keep &ldquo;advocating the interests of anyone you want to &amp; I&rsquo;ll keep advocating for the interests of the people of J&amp;K to use our own rivers for our own benefit&rdquo;. &ldquo;Is that really the best you can do? I&rsquo;ll rise above the gutter you want to take this conversation to by keeping the late Mufti Sahib and &lsquo;North Pole South Pole&rsquo; out of this,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not going to stop the water, just use more of it for ourselves. Now I think I&rsquo;ll do some real work &amp; you can keep posting,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

India News: Omar, who has always been critical of the Indus Waters Treaty, had sought revival of the Tulbul Navigation Project, which he said would enable the use of Jhelum water for navigation and improve power generation during harsh winters.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday slammed Mehbooba Mufti for criticising his efforts to revive the Tulbul Navigation Project and termed it an attempt for “cheap publicity” and to “appease certain sections” in Pakistan. The Tulbul Navigation Project to rejuvenate the Jhelum-fed Wular Lake in Bandipora district was started in 1987 but was stalled in 2007 after Pakistan raised objections. Omar, who has always been critical of the Indus Waters Treaty while calling it “deeply unfair” to the people of J&K, had sought revival of the Tulbul Navigation Project, which he said would enable the use of Jhelum water for navigation and improve power generation during harsh winters. Also Read | ‘Future of oppn’s INDIA bloc not so bright, BJP formidable...’: Chidambaram forewarns for 2029 “The Wular Lake in North Kashmir. The civil works you see in the video is the Tulbul Navigation Barrage. It was started in the early 1980s but had to be abandoned under pressure from Pakistan citing the Indus Water Treaty. Now that the IWT has been “temporarily suspended” I wonder if we will be able to resume the project,” Abdullah posted on X while sharing a video of the river. The Wular lake in North Kashmir. The civil works you see in the video is the Tulbul Navigation Barrage. It was started in the early 1980s but had to be abandoned under pressure from Pakistan citing the Indus Water Treaty. Now that the IWT has been “temporarily suspended” I… pic.twitter.com/MQbGSXJKvq — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 15, 2025 ‘Statements irresponsible, dangerously provocative’: Mehbooba Mufti reacted to the proposal and said it was being put forth at a time when India and Pakistan have just stepped back from the brink of a “full-fledged war.” “At a time when both countries have just stepped back from the brink of a full-fledged war—with Jammu and Kashmir bearing the brunt through the loss of innocent lives, widespread destruction, and immense suffering such statements are not only irresponsible but also dangerously provocative. Our people deserve peace as much as anyone else in the country. Weaponizing something as essential and life giving as water is not only inhumane but also risks internationalizing what should remain a bilateral matter,” the PDP leader wrote on X. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s call to revive the Tulbul Navigation Project amid ongoing tensions between India & Pakistan is deeply unfortunate. At a time when both countries have just stepped back from the brink of a full-fledged war—with Jammu and Kashmir bearing the brunt… https://t.co/LZrVAhIukQ — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 16, 2025 ‘Cheap publicity, attempt to please some people in Pakistan’ Responding to Mufti, Abdullah slammed her remarks as “cheap publicity” and attempt to “please some people” in Pakistan and refused to acknowledge the disadvantages of signing the IWT. “Actually, what is unfortunate is that with your blind lust to try to score cheap publicity points & please some people sitting across the border, you refuse to acknowledge that the IWT has been one of the biggest historic betrayals of the interests of the people of J&K. I have always opposed this treaty & I will continue to do so. Opposing a blatantly unfair treaty is in no way, shape, size, or form “warmongering”, it’s about correcting a historic injustice that denied the people of J&K the right to use our water for ourselves,” the J&K CM wrote on X. Also Read | Indian-origin Anita Anand appointed Canada’s foreign minister in Carney cabinet overhaul ‘Time will reveal’: PDP leader Time will reveal who seeks to appease whom, Mufti said in response, as the exchange between the two politicians continued. “However, it’s worth recalling that your esteemed grandfather Sheikh Sahab once advocated for accession to Pakistan for over two decades after losing power. But post being reinstated as Chief Minister he suddenly reversed his stance by aligning with India,” she said. She added that the PDP has always upheld its convictions and commitments, unlike the NC which has shifted loyalties dramatically according to political expediency. “We don’t need to stoke tensions or adopt warmongering rhetoric to validate our dedication. Our actions speak for themselves,” she said. Taking cheap shots: Abdullah Abdullah responded to Mufti again and said that she can keep “advocating the interests of anyone you want to & I’ll keep advocating for the interests of the people of J&K to use our own rivers for our own benefit”. “Is that really the best you can do? I’ll rise above the gutter you want to take this conversation to by keeping the late Mufti Sahib and ‘North Pole South Pole’ out of this,” he said. “I’m not going to stop the water, just use more of it for ourselves. Now I think I’ll do some real work & you can keep posting,” he added.

‘Lust for cheap publicity, pleasing people across border’: Omar snaps at Mehbooba over Tulbul Project criticism

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has hit out at the BJP and said those digging up the graves of Mughals should look for the relatives and heirs of the Rajput's as these Mughals used to make relations with Rajputs only and not the families of poor Muslims.&nbsp;
Mehbooba Mufti was attending a party worker's convention at the Sher-I-Kashmir Park in Srinagar. ''Those who are digging up the graves of Mughal's, they should look for the relatives and heirs of these Mughals, the Mughals had no relation with poor Muslims but the Rajwada's to spread their empire. You will find all the relatives of these Mughal's in Rajwada families and not among the poor Muslims,'' said Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;
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Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti also hit out at the central government on the recent Waqf Amendment Bill. Mehbooba attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that instead of sending out gifts to Muslims he should have pushed for making colleges and universities using the Waqf properties, which would not only help muslims but other communities too.&nbsp;
''The Waqf Bill is a matter of our religion, they should run it properly. If the central government felt that something was wrong within the Waqf, they should have formed a committee including Muslim members of the Parliament. The Prime Minister has always been talking about Underprivileged Muslims. Recently, he sent gifts to the Muslims. Instead of sending gifts, he should have pushed for making colleges and universities from the Waqf property. These would have benefited the Muslims as well as other communities in the country. Instead, they are bulldozing century-old mosques and madrassas.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pak-has-no-locus-standi-to-comment-on-waqf-act-should-look-at-own-abysmal-record-8965888">India: Pak has no locus standi to comment on Waqf Act, should look at own abysmal record</a>
Mehbooba Mufti also spoke about the recent controversy that erupted after former RAW Chief A S Dulat's book mentioned National Conference Patron Farooq Abdullah. Mehbooba said she is not surprised about Dulat alleging that Farooq Abdullah could have helped with the abrogation of Article 370. Mehbooba said that Dulat said all this out of love for Farooq Abdullah so that the people of Delhi trust him.&nbsp;
''I am not surprised, if you remember that Devendra Rana (BJP leader) had also hit out at NC and said that when the talks were going on for formation of government between PDP and BJP, the National Conference leaders met with Amit Shah and were ready to form a government without any conditions,'' said Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;

Mehbooba says the descendants of the Mughals are among the elite Royalty of Rajputs and not among poor Muslims. India news

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has hit out at the BJP and said those digging up the graves of Mughals should look for the relatives and heirs of the Rajput's as these Mughals used to make relations with Rajputs only and not the families of poor Muslims. Mehbooba Mufti was attending a party worker's convention at the Sher-I-Kashmir Park in Srinagar. ''Those who are digging up the graves of Mughal's, they should look for the relatives and heirs of these Mughals, the Mughals had no relation with poor Muslims but the Rajwada's to spread their empire. You will find all the relatives of these Mughal's in Rajwada families and not among the poor Muslims,'' said Mehbooba Mufti. Also read | India's Supreme Court hears petitions on Waqf (Amendment) Act Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti also hit out at the central government on the recent Waqf Amendment Bill. Mehbooba attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that instead of sending out gifts to Muslims he should have pushed for making colleges and universities using the Waqf properties, which would not only help muslims but other communities too. ''The Waqf Bill is a matter of our religion, they should run it properly. If the central government felt that something was wrong within the Waqf, they should have formed a committee including Muslim members of the Parliament. The Prime Minister has always been talking about Underprivileged Muslims. Recently, he sent gifts to the Muslims. Instead of sending gifts, he should have pushed for making colleges and universities from the Waqf property. These would have benefited the Muslims as well as other communities in the country. Instead, they are bulldozing century-old mosques and madrassas. Also read | India: Pak has no locus standi to comment on Waqf Act, should look at own abysmal record Mehbooba Mufti also spoke about the recent controversy that erupted after former RAW Chief A S Dulat's book mentioned National Conference Patron Farooq Abdullah. Mehbooba said she is not surprised about Dulat alleging that Farooq Abdullah could have helped with the abrogation of Article 370. Mehbooba said that Dulat said all this out of love for Farooq Abdullah so that the people of Delhi trust him. ''I am not surprised, if you remember that Devendra Rana (BJP leader) had also hit out at NC and said that when the talks were going on for formation of government between PDP and BJP, the National Conference leaders met with Amit Shah and were ready to form a government without any conditions,'' said Mehbooba Mufti.

Mehbooba Mufti hits out at Hindutva Politics of BJP using Mughals as a tool

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, criticised People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday (Sep 29) for showing "solidarity" with deceased Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Chief Minister of the Indian state of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, criticised People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday (Sep 29) for showing "solidarity" with deceased Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. "Right now, there is a war going on between Israel and Palestine. The Israeli army killed Hezbollah commander Hassan Nasrullah. That is their country's business. But today, in Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti says she will not campaign because she is sad that Hasan Nasrullah has been killed. I want to ask Mehbooba, Farooq Abdullah, and Rahul Gandhi: When terrorists kill Hindu soldiers, do you feel sad or not?" Sarma was quoted as saying at an election rally in Haryana’s Sonipat by news agency ANI. What did Mehbooba Mufti say? Sarma’s comments came a day after Mufti, the former CM of Jammu and Kashmir, cancelled her election campaign on Sunday to show "solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza, especially Hassan Nasrallah." Also read: BJP's Amit Shah slams Congress for 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans at rallies; vows to ‘straighten’ Waqf Board law "Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza, especially Hassan Nasarullah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance," Mufti said in a post on X. 'Crocodile tears': Mufti faces backlash for her Nasrallah comment "Why does Hassan Nasarullah's death pain Mehbooba Mufti? When Hindus in Bangladesh are attacked and killed, they are tight-lipped. Today, when the commander of Hezbollah gets killed, they cancel the campaigning for one day. These are crocodile tears and people understand the intent behind this. This kind of conspiracy will lead to nothing; we should speak on the lines of humanity," said former Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta, according to ANI. Also read: Two abducted men seek help in viral video; Manipur CM blames ‘Kuki militants’ for kidnapping them Nasrallah’s body recovered intact from the site of strike Israel had previously announced on Friday that it killed Nasrallah during an airstrike on Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah confirmed his death the following day. Two sources told Reuters that Nasrallah’s body was recovered intact from the site of the Friday strike. As of Sunday, Hezbollah had not released any details regarding his funeral arrangements. (With inputs from agencies)

Assam CM Himanta Sarma blasts Mehbooba Mufti for mourning Nasrallah: 'When terrorists kill Hindu soldiers...'

In a significant political twist,&nbsp;Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday (August 24) said that her party will give unconditional support to the National Conference (NC) and Congress's pre-poll alliance&nbsp;if both these parties accept PDP's manifesto.&nbsp;

It was during the release of the party manifesto&nbsp;for the upcoming assembly elections that Mufti said that the party is not vying for seats but is ready to back the alliance if it aligns with their agenda, which prominently includes addressing the long-standing Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

Mufti while reading out details from the manifesto said that "Power and seats don't matter for the PDP." Her party's primary concern is the resolution of critical issues facing the region.

"We will not fight for the seats but will completely support the alliance if they agree to follow our agenda, which includes the resolution of the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;Power and seats don't matter for PDP, but in case the party's agenda is accepted, we will extend support to the alliance in Jammu and Kashmir."

"The traditional routes will be opened, free 200 units of electricity will be provided, the fight over the resolution of the Kashmir issue will be taken forward and the dialogue process to be started if PDP is elected to power,"&nbsp;said the PDP president.&nbsp;

The NC-Congress alliance, which also includes the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)), has already announced plans to contest all 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir. While seat-sharing agreements have largely been finalised, discussions continue over certain contentious constituencies where candidates from both parties are eager to compete.

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Meanwhile, Apni Party president Syed Altaf Bukhari revealed that his party intends to field candidates on 60 seats, 40 in Kashmir and 20 in Jammu, during the upcoming assembly elections.&nbsp;

"There won't be any alliance with anyone, and we did bear the brunt in the Lok Sabha elections. We will contest the assembly polls on our own and we have decided not to go for any alliance this time. PDP and BJP are in a secret alliance with NC and Congress,"&nbsp;said Bukhari, president of the Apni Party.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Congress chaired a meeting of its screening committee in Srinagar to address the concerns of party leaders who are aggrieved over seat-sharing with the National Conference.

Since the alliance between the Congress and NC has been announced, resentment within the Congress party is brewing against surrendering in front of NC.&nbsp;

In a significant political twist, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday (August 24) said that her party will give unconditional support to the National Conference (NC) and Congress's pre-poll alliance if both these parties accept PDP's manifesto.

In a significant political twist, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday (August 24) said that her party will give unconditional support to the National Conference (NC) and Congress's pre-poll alliance if both these parties accept PDP's manifesto. It was during the release of the party manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections that Mufti said that the party is not vying for seats but is ready to back the alliance if it aligns with their agenda, which prominently includes addressing the long-standing Kashmir issue. Mufti while reading out details from the manifesto said that "Power and seats don't matter for the PDP." Her party's primary concern is the resolution of critical issues facing the region. "We will not fight for the seats but will completely support the alliance if they agree to follow our agenda, which includes the resolution of the Kashmir issue. Power and seats don't matter for PDP, but in case the party's agenda is accepted, we will extend support to the alliance in Jammu and Kashmir." "The traditional routes will be opened, free 200 units of electricity will be provided, the fight over the resolution of the Kashmir issue will be taken forward and the dialogue process to be started if PDP is elected to power," said the PDP president. The NC-Congress alliance, which also includes the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)), has already announced plans to contest all 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir. While seat-sharing agreements have largely been finalised, discussions continue over certain contentious constituencies where candidates from both parties are eager to compete. Also read: India unveils new pension scheme for government employees; here are its key features Meanwhile, Apni Party president Syed Altaf Bukhari revealed that his party intends to field candidates on 60 seats, 40 in Kashmir and 20 in Jammu, during the upcoming assembly elections. "There won't be any alliance with anyone, and we did bear the brunt in the Lok Sabha elections. We will contest the assembly polls on our own and we have decided not to go for any alliance this time. PDP and BJP are in a secret alliance with NC and Congress," said Bukhari, president of the Apni Party. Meanwhile, Congress chaired a meeting of its screening committee in Srinagar to address the concerns of party leaders who are aggrieved over seat-sharing with the National Conference. Since the alliance between the Congress and NC has been announced, resentment within the Congress party is brewing against surrendering in front of NC.

Mehbooba Mufti offers unconditional support to NC-Congress alliance if they adopt PDP’s agenda

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti made a significant announcement on Saturday (August 24), ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, during the release of her party's manifesto.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti made a significant announcement on Saturday (August 24), ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, during the release of her party's manifesto. Mufti said that if the National Conference (NC) and Congress were willing to accept the PDP's manifesto and align on resolving the problems of Kashmir, she would support their alliance without contesting any seats. "Alliance and seat sharing are faraway things. If the National Conference and Congress are ready to adopt our agenda, we will say they should contest on all seats, we will follow them because for me solving the problem of Kashmir is more important than anything else..." she said. "When we allied earlier also, we had an agenda, when we allied with the BJP, we had an agenda which they agreed to but the alliance between the National Conference and Congress is not happening on the agenda, it is happening on seat sharing," the PDP leader added. Resumption of trade across LOC In the PDP manifesto, Mufti has advocated for the resumption of trade across the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. The National Conference has similarly included this point in its "12 guarantees" within its manifesto. The PDP leader also noted the challenges that have arisen since the abrogation of Article 370, remarking, "The issue has become even more complicated after the removal of Article 370. We will take Jammu and Kashmir out of the quagmire of difficulties." Free electricity, no water taxes, and more The manifesto outlines various socio-economic initiatives designed to ease the difficulties faced by the people. Also read: Bomb blast in southwestern Pakistan kills two children, injures 16 others Mufti promised, "We will provide free electricity up to 200 units, abolish water taxes, and there should be no water meters. We will also offer a one-time settlement for old electricity bills. For the poor, we will implement the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed scheme again, providing 12 cylinders a year." "We will double social security benefits like old age pensions and widow pensions. We will ensure that all government jobs are filled, and temples and gurdwaras will receive free electricity," she said. Return of Kashmiri Pandits She also committed to facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, emphasising that her party would take all necessary steps to ensure their safe return. Mufti clarified that the upcoming elections are not just about statehood or seat sharing, but about larger goals. "For me, this election is not for statehood or seat sharing... We have a bigger goal... We are fighting for dignity, for the resolution of the Kashmir issue," she continued. (With inputs from agencies)

Mehbooba Mufti reveals PDP manifesto: Trade across LOC, return of Kashmiri Pandits, and other key points

Security has been put on high alert across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the fifth anniversary of the revocation of Article 370. It was on August 5, five years ago when the Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the revocation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories. The government, due to security reasons, suspended Amarnath Yatri's movement from Jammu to Srinagar.&nbsp;

The whole National Highway has also been put on alert.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the BJP leaders in the Kashmir Valley celebrated the anniversary and said the revocation means development for the Union Territory and thanked Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for taking the step. Sweets were distributed at the BJP headquarters in Srinagar and slogans in support of PM Modi and the country were raised.&nbsp;

''In 2019 on the same day, Article 370 was finished. It was the time when PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's efforts bore fruit, and the wall was broken down which had kept Kashmir away from development. Jammu Kashmir became a full integral part of India on August 5, 2019, and that's why we all have gathered together to celebrate the day. We also thank the PM and HM for the efforts. Those who are mourning are not elected by ex-members and it does not matter what they say, but the locals are celebrating. These politicians should not lie and none of them are under house arrest, '' said Altaf Thakur, BJP spokesperson.&nbsp;

However, the political leadership from Jammu and Kashmir alleged that they have been kept under house arrest and not allowed to show their protest against the decision today. The two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah both took to social media to allege that they along with their leaders have not been allowed to move outside their residences.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-supreme-court-dealt-with-article-370-by-answering-three-key-questions-668485">Explained: Article 370 - How India Supreme Court answered key questions on Kashmir special status</a>

''5th August 2019 will go down in history not just as a dark day for Jammu and Kashmir but as a blot on Indian democracy. The day when a semi-autonomous state was disempowered, dismembered &amp; robbed of everything special and sacrosanct to us. Since then, the state has been threatened into silence which is touted as ‘peace and normalcy’ to the rest of the country. Five years on the siege continues but so does the unyielding defiance &amp; resistance. We Kashmiris refuse to be erased &amp; unpeopled,'' said Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Omar Abdullah also took to social media and said while a handful of BJP leaders are allowed to celebrate those who want to register their protest against the decision are locked up in their homes.&nbsp;

"This is what passes for democracy &amp; free speech in J&amp;K. A handful of BJP “leaders” are encouraged to celebrate today while those who would have registered their protest against what was done to J&amp;K are locked up in homes across the valley, '' Omar said.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Explained: Kashmir question &amp; Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration

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However, the BJP leaders said that these political leaders are mourning as their means of corruption have ended.

"People have realised that some parties in the Union Territory were using Article 370 for their own benefits and corruption. The money that used to come for the development never reached the people. You can see what has changed in the last 5 years, Asia's largest railway bridge is here. Jammu-Srinagar Highway has been upgraded and there are flyovers being made everywhere. So, after the abrogation, the whole UT has been on the road of development. I have heard some Political parties and leaders saying it's a black day, they can mourn, and they have a reason as there is no way to do corruption and loot public money anymore. People did not vote for two former chief ministers, and it is evident that their politics has been rejected,'' said Manzoor Bhat, BJP leader.&nbsp;

Some political leaders had taken to social media to show that they were not allowed to move out of their premises today.&nbsp;

Security has been put on high alert across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the fifth anniversary of the revocation of Article 370. It was on August 5, five years ago when the Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the revocation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.

Security has been put on high alert across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the fifth anniversary of the revocation of Article 370. It was on August 5, five years ago when the Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the revocation of Article 370 and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories. The government, due to security reasons, suspended Amarnath Yatri's movement from Jammu to Srinagar. The whole National Highway has also been put on alert. Meanwhile, the BJP leaders in the Kashmir Valley celebrated the anniversary and said the revocation means development for the Union Territory and thanked Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for taking the step. Sweets were distributed at the BJP headquarters in Srinagar and slogans in support of PM Modi and the country were raised. ''In 2019 on the same day, Article 370 was finished. It was the time when PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's efforts bore fruit, and the wall was broken down which had kept Kashmir away from development. Jammu Kashmir became a full integral part of India on August 5, 2019, and that's why we all have gathered together to celebrate the day. We also thank the PM and HM for the efforts. Those who are mourning are not elected by ex-members and it does not matter what they say, but the locals are celebrating. These politicians should not lie and none of them are under house arrest, '' said Altaf Thakur, BJP spokesperson. However, the political leadership from Jammu and Kashmir alleged that they have been kept under house arrest and not allowed to show their protest against the decision today. The two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah both took to social media to allege that they along with their leaders have not been allowed to move outside their residences. Also read | Explained: Article 370 - How India Supreme Court answered key questions on Kashmir special status ''5th August 2019 will go down in history not just as a dark day for Jammu and Kashmir but as a blot on Indian democracy. The day when a semi-autonomous state was disempowered, dismembered & robbed of everything special and sacrosanct to us. Since then, the state has been threatened into silence which is touted as ‘peace and normalcy’ to the rest of the country. Five years on the siege continues but so does the unyielding defiance & resistance. We Kashmiris refuse to be erased & unpeopled,'' said Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah also took to social media and said while a handful of BJP leaders are allowed to celebrate those who want to register their protest against the decision are locked up in their homes. "This is what passes for democracy & free speech in J&K. A handful of BJP “leaders” are encouraged to celebrate today while those who would have registered their protest against what was done to J&K are locked up in homes across the valley, '' Omar said. Also watch | Explained: Kashmir question & Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration × However, the BJP leaders said that these political leaders are mourning as their means of corruption have ended. "People have realised that some parties in the Union Territory were using Article 370 for their own benefits and corruption. The money that used to come for the development never reached the people. You can see what has changed in the last 5 years, Asia's largest railway bridge is here. Jammu-Srinagar Highway has been upgraded and there are flyovers being made everywhere. So, after the abrogation, the whole UT has been on the road of development. I have heard some Political parties and leaders saying it's a black day, they can mourn, and they have a reason as there is no way to do corruption and loot public money anymore. People did not vote for two former chief ministers, and it is evident that their politics has been rejected,'' said Manzoor Bhat, BJP leader. Some political leaders had taken to social media to show that they were not allowed to move out of their premises today.

Article 370 revocation, five years on: BJP celebrates, Ex-CMs Mufti, Abdullah say not allowed to protest

For the third time in a row, the BJP won, extending its hegemony over the Jammu area. But the National Conference (NC), which had won all three seats in Kashmir earlier, suffered a defeat and was only able to secure two seats this time.

India Elections: 58% voting in Jammu and Kashmir, former CMs lose by huge margins

Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday (Jun 4).

Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti conceded defeat in the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday (Jun 4). While Omar Abdullah lost the seat to Engineer Rashid of Awami Itihad Party (AIP), Mehbooba Mufti was defeated by National Conference (NC) candidate, Mian Altaf Ahmad. Mehbooba Mufti said in her post on X, "Respecting the verdict of the people I thank my PDP workers & leaders for their hard work & support despite all the odds. My deepest gratitude to the people who voted for me. Winning & losing is part of the game & wont deter us from our path." Also read: PM Modi hails India's progress in spiritual letter following 45-hour meditation in Kanniyakumari In the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, Syed Ruhullah Mehdi of the NC won against his PDP rival, Waheed Parra. BJP won both the seats it was contesting as Jugal Kishore Sharma defeated Raman Bhalla of the Congress in the Jammu Lok Sabha seat and Dr Jitendra Singh beat Choudhary Lal Singh of the Congress in Udhampur Lok Sabha seat. J&K has five Lok Sabha seats - Baramulla, Srinagar, Anantnag–Rajouri, Udhampur, Jammu, while the UT of Ladakh has one. J&K recorded the highest voter turnout in a Lok Sabha poll in the last 35 years. While the Kashmir Valley witnessed a huge 30-point jump in poll participation compared to 2019. The combined voter turnout at the polling stations for the entire Union Territory with five Lok Sabha seats was 58.46 per cent, as per the election commission data. List of parties: Indian National Congress (INC) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) Awami Itihad Party (AIP) Also read: Assembly Polls 2024: Sikkim’s ruling SKM registers landslide victory, wins 31 out of 32 seats Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Elections Result 2024: Full List of Candidates Sr. No. Lok Sabha Constituency INC Candidates JKNC Candidates JKPDP Candidates NDA Candidates Others 1 Jammu Raman Bhalla (INC) DNC DNC Jugal Kishore Sharma (BJP) 2 Udhampur Chaudhary Lal Singh (INC) DNC DNC Jitendra Singh (BJP) 3 Srinagar DNC Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi (JKNC) Fayaz Ahmad Mir (JKPDP) DNC 4 Anantnag–Rajouri DNC Mian Altaf Ahmed Larvi (JKNC) Mehbooba Mufti (JKPDP) DNC 5 Baramulla DNC Omar Abdullah (JKNC) Waheed Parra (JKPDP) DNC Abdul Rashid Sheikh (AIP) Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Election Result 2024: Constituency Wise Party-wise Winner List Constituency Winner Candidate Party Anantnag-rajouri Mian Altaf Ahmad JKNC Baramulla Abdul Rashid Sheikh Independent Jammu Jugal Kishore BJP Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi JKNC Udhampur Dr Jitendra Singh BJP

Jammu and Kashmir Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: Full list of winners

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 6 voting: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) matriarch Mehbooba Mufti on May 25 (Saturday) alleged that her party workers and polling agents are being detained in the police stations "without any reason". Mufti, whose party was in alliance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) between 2015 and 2018, claimed that complaints regarding the efforts to "tamper the Electronic Voting Machines" are being received.

WION could not independently verify Mufti's claims.

Mehbooba Mufti, who is a candidate from Anantnag–Rajouri Lok Sabha seat in South Kashmir where voting is currently underway, is sitting on a protest along with party leaders and workers at the time of filing this report.

The PDP president also claimed that outgoing calls on her mobile number have been suspended without any explanation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baramulla-sees-record-voter-turnout-of-59-in-lok-sabha-elections-2024-723675">Baramulla sees record voter turnout of 59% in Lok Sabha Elections 2024</a>

"I am not able to make any calls since morning. There is no explanation for this sudden suspension of services on the day of polling in the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency," Mehbooba Mufti told Press Trust of India.

The PDP also flagged the issue in a post on X.

"Just ahead of the polls, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti's @MehboobaMufti cellular phone service has been abruptly snapped. Yesterday evening and in the early hours today, scores of PDP workers and polling agents were detained across polling belt," the PDP wrote.

On Friday, Mehbooba Mufti had written to the Election Commission claiming that PDP workers and polling agents were detained by police.

"Many of our PDP polling agents &amp; workers are being detained just before voting. When the families went to the police stations they are being told that it's being done at the behest of SSP Anantnag &amp; DIG South Kashmir. We've written to @ECISVEEP hoping for their timely intervention," the PDP chief&nbsp;said in a post on X.

The Anantnag Police, however, said that detentions are very few and restricted only to the ones against whom there are&nbsp;credible inputs of potential threats to law and order and security on polling day.

Also watch |&nbsp;India General Election 2024: Why Jammu and Kashmir is key to India's growth

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“Claims were made by a political party that their workers have been detained. Firstly, detentions are very few &amp; restricted only to those who have a tainted past and based on credible inputs of potential threats to law and order &amp; security on polling day. Mostly they are OGWS &amp; are taken into preventive custody for ensuring a safe &amp; peaceful election,” the Anantnag Police wrote.

Mehbooba Mufti is contesting against National Conference (NC) candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad. Zafar Iqbal Manhas of the Apni Party is also contesting the polls, making the contest a triangular fight.

In the first general elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, the voting has already concluded on the seats of Jammu, Baramulla, Srinagar and Udhampur.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 6 voting: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) matriarch Mehbooba Mufti on May 25 (Saturday) alleged that her party workers and polling agents are being detained in the police stations "without any reason".

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 6 voting: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) matriarch Mehbooba Mufti on May 25 (Saturday) alleged that her party workers and polling agents are being detained in the police stations "without any reason". Mufti, whose party was in alliance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) between 2015 and 2018, claimed that complaints regarding the efforts to "tamper the Electronic Voting Machines" are being received. WION could not independently verify Mufti's claims. Mehbooba Mufti, who is a candidate from Anantnag–Rajouri Lok Sabha seat in South Kashmir where voting is currently underway, is sitting on a protest along with party leaders and workers at the time of filing this report. The PDP president also claimed that outgoing calls on her mobile number have been suspended without any explanation. Also read | Baramulla sees record voter turnout of 59% in Lok Sabha Elections 2024 "I am not able to make any calls since morning. There is no explanation for this sudden suspension of services on the day of polling in the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency," Mehbooba Mufti told Press Trust of India. The PDP also flagged the issue in a post on X. "Just ahead of the polls, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti's @MehboobaMufti cellular phone service has been abruptly snapped. Yesterday evening and in the early hours today, scores of PDP workers and polling agents were detained across polling belt," the PDP wrote. On Friday, Mehbooba Mufti had written to the Election Commission claiming that PDP workers and polling agents were detained by police. "Many of our PDP polling agents & workers are being detained just before voting. When the families went to the police stations they are being told that it's being done at the behest of SSP Anantnag & DIG South Kashmir. We've written to @ECISVEEP hoping for their timely intervention," the PDP chief said in a post on X. The Anantnag Police, however, said that detentions are very few and restricted only to the ones against whom there are credible inputs of potential threats to law and order and security on polling day. Also watch | India General Election 2024: Why Jammu and Kashmir is key to India's growth × “Claims were made by a political party that their workers have been detained. Firstly, detentions are very few & restricted only to those who have a tainted past and based on credible inputs of potential threats to law and order & security on polling day. Mostly they are OGWS & are taken into preventive custody for ensuring a safe & peaceful election,” the Anantnag Police wrote. Mehbooba Mufti is contesting against National Conference (NC) candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad. Zafar Iqbal Manhas of the Apni Party is also contesting the polls, making the contest a triangular fight. In the first general elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370, the voting has already concluded on the seats of Jammu, Baramulla, Srinagar and Udhampur. (With inputs from agencies)

Mehbooba Mufti stages protest against alleged poll rigging in Rajouri-Anantnag

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti carried out a rally on Thursday (May 9) in Srinagar’s downtown area of Fateh Kadal. The area was once considered a no-go zone and known for its stone pelting and poll boycott, and now buzzing with the election sloganeering.&nbsp;

Mehbooba Mufti while addressing the people said, "We need to fight till the time we are alive. My father had a lot of concern for the people in Srinagar. Thousands of our youth are languishing in Jails. They are from poor families, and no one can go to meet them."

She also added “In my tenure I made sure to secure the careers of youth. But today so many have been put in Jail and no one is talking about them.&nbsp;This election is not about electricity and not about PDP and NC.” 
 
She said, "I&nbsp;tried a lot so that all the parties would work together. I even left to it Farooq Abdullah to decide. They said PDP has finished and they don't need us. I don't say anything against NC because our main enemy is bigger which is the BJP. The 2019 decision is not acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;Violence is not a solution, but we have to keep talking about the issues.&nbsp;Giving a vote is the biggest weapon everyone has.&nbsp;We might not have much but whatever we have should be preserved.&nbsp;Kashmir is like a pressure cooker, and it will blast one day and finish everything."

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti carried out a rally on Thursday (May 9) in Srinagar’s downtown area of Fateh Kadal. The area was once considered a no-go zone and known for its stone pelting and poll boycott, and now buzzing with the election sloganeering.

Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti carried out a rally on Thursday (May 9) in Srinagar’s downtown area of Fateh Kadal. The area was once considered a no-go zone and known for its stone pelting and poll boycott, and now buzzing with the election sloganeering. Mehbooba Mufti while addressing the people said, "We need to fight till the time we are alive. My father had a lot of concern for the people in Srinagar. Thousands of our youth are languishing in Jails. They are from poor families, and no one can go to meet them." She also added “In my tenure I made sure to secure the careers of youth. But today so many have been put in Jail and no one is talking about them. This election is not about electricity and not about PDP and NC.” She said, "I tried a lot so that all the parties would work together. I even left to it Farooq Abdullah to decide. They said PDP has finished and they don't need us. I don't say anything against NC because our main enemy is bigger which is the BJP. The 2019 decision is not acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Violence is not a solution, but we have to keep talking about the issues. Giving a vote is the biggest weapon everyone has. We might not have much but whatever we have should be preserved. Kashmir is like a pressure cooker, and it will blast one day and finish everything."

Mehbooba Mufti takes out rally in Srinagar’s downtown, once considered a no-go zone

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