Baramulla, Apr 23: Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party dismantled the People’s Democratic Party politically alongside the abrogation of Article 370, asserting that her party was specifically targeted as a key challenger in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering in Baramulla, Mehbooba said the PDP bore the brunt of political changes post-2019. She claimed the move was not limited to constitutional restructuring but aimed at weakening her party’s base on the ground.
The PDP chief accused the National Conference of failing to meet public expectations despite securing a strong mandate. She said there has been little improvement in the daily lives of people, with unemployment rising and economic distress deepening across sections.
Mehbooba while describing the situation as “grim”, stated that youth are grappling with joblessness while even older generations are facing uncertainty. She flagged rising electricity tariffs as an added burden on households already under financial stress.
She also called for reopening of the Muzaffarabad Road, saying cross-LoC trade had earlier provided relief to local industries, particularly horticulture. She argued that strengthening trade routes would be more effective in stabilizing the region than continued restrictions.
The former J&K Chief Minister sought a special package for the Sikh community, acknowledging their continued support to Kashmir through difficult phases. She urged the administration to extend targeted assistance similar to schemes for other affected groups.
Defending her party’s past decisions, Mufti said the People’s Democratic Party formed government under difficult conditions and did not compromise on key assets. She accused the NC of “talk without action”, stating that PDP achieved in months what others failed to deliver in decades.
The PDP president further demanded district status for Sopore and hill district status for Uri, calling the latter a potential gateway for future connectivity and trade. She reiterated that reopening routes like Muzaffarabad would eventually become necessary for long-term stability and economic growth in the region—(KNO)
