SRINAGAR, Nov. 7: Mehbooba Mufti, the former chief minister and president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), called today’s Legislative Assembly resolution on the restoration of constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir a “half-hearted effort” and declared that her party would propose amendments to correct its flaws.
Speaking to a press conference at the party headquarters here, Mufti called the resolution’s passage a positive step but expressed disappointment that it did not call for the restoration of Article 370 or denounce the August 5, 2019, decision.
“I will describe it as a half-hearted effort because, regrettably, the resolution they have introduced does not state that we disagree with the 2019 decision. She added, “It does not say to restore Article 370.”
Mufti was taken aback by the resolution’s reference to dialogue and asked, “With whom should there be a dialogue? Is a discussion with BJP representatives necessary? With people who are still against this? The PDP resolution, in my opinion, was superior.
She also took issue with the resolution’s wording, saying that rather than sounding like it came from a “poor, helpless” person, it should have reflected the tone of a government with a brute majority.
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One could have stated that we disagree with the 2019 decision, just like in the PDP resolution. We denounce it. At the same time, it could have been argued that, as it resolves, Jammu and Kashmir’s special status ought to be reinstated in its original form under Article 370, 35A,” she clarified.
Mufti questioned the resolution’s association with “national unity.” India is regarded as a diverse nation. And take a look at this diversity—the people of Jammu and Kashmir came together in 1947, realizing that this is a diverse nation. “Diversity brings us together,” she said.
Mufti supported the resolution but recommended more debate and changes. They ought to decide “that the Government of India restores the special status, 370, 35A,” rather than stating that we are worried. We do not want people to be duped, so let us talk about this,” she said.
The head of the PDP agreed that the government led by the National Conference had made a good step. “We are happy about it. However, I believe the PDP should take the next step. We must introduce amendments to this resolution in order to fix its flaws,” she underlined.
Mufti recalled previous election pledges, saying that if elected to the Assembly, both her party and the NC would denounce the repeal of Article 370 and work to restore it. “We brought in a resolution, as promised. However, the NC was very hesitant about this. And they gave in today, I believe, under pressure from the onlookers. I believe they were coerced. However, I continue to believe that there is a better way to present it,” she said.
The PDP leader reaffirmed that if the party is driven by sincere intentions and a well-defined agenda, numbers are irrelevant. Regardless of how many people oppose it, if they have a
