Srinagar, Oct 10: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Thursday accused National Conference (NC) workers of attacking the party members in various parts of south Kashmir, two days after the PDP candidate lost the assembly elections in Bijbehara.
“Such disrespect will not be tolerated,” Iltija told media persons while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here.
She said that since 1977, the people of Kashmir have granted the NC various mandates, which come with greater responsibility. However, she claimed that PDP workers have faced random attacks in the wake of the election results. “Most of our workers have been attacked in Khiram, Dachnipora, Wagama and other areas of Bijbehara, with the support of NC’s elected MLA from the constituency,” she alleged.
Iltija, the daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, alleged that NC workers are reportedly attacking the homes of PDP members with stones, burning cowsheds, stealing livestock and deliberately setting off firecrackers during prayer times. “We will not tolerate disrespect towards our party members. If our workers are harmed, we will file an FIR against those responsible,” she said.
Commenting on the newly elected MLA of Bijbehara, Mufti said, “After losing four times, he finally came to power only to witness vandalism and violence in the constituency. Even the police questioned the MLA about the situation, and he claimed they were celebrating the party’s victory, which is unfortunate.”
The PDP leader challenged the MLA’s leadership, questioning what kind of representative he is if he cannot control his supporters. She revealed that she has received numerous messages from residents stating they are being threatened and intimidated by NC workers. “They aim to replicate the violence of April 4, 1979, when opposition party members were attacked, and their homes were burned,” she said, adding that similar incidents happened in Kulgam and DH Pora.
Iltija alleged that the NC wants to revive past tactics to undermine the PDP, which she described as the biggest barrier to their agenda. Despite losing the election, she vowed to maintain her connection with the ground. “I will not allow the NC to perpetuate such actions in the future,” she declared.
Meanwhile, on October 8, the National Conference emerged as the single largest party in Jammu & Kashmir, winning 42 seats in the 90-member Assembly, while the Bharatiya Janata Party retained its stronghold in Jammu with 29 seats.
