National Conference’s candidate for Central Kashmir, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has said that the stripping away of people’s dignity is not conducive to a healthy democracy and his party would continue to fight for their rights.
In an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir’s Chief Reporter Irfan Yattoo, former Cabinet Minister of J&K State asserted that any decision about the future of Jammu and Kashmir should involve consultation with the people.
Excerpts:
Q1: You have been entrusted with the Srinagar parliamentary constituency previously held by the Abdullah family? How do you view this decision?
The party leadership made the decision after careful consideration of all aspects. They have entrusted me with the responsibility to represent the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament, aligning with our shared ideology and the current political landscape.
Challenges arise from various coalitions, alliances, and divisive forces attempting to fracture our society, but the National Conference has diligently managed these concerns.
While there is symbolic significance in representing the capital constituency previously held by former CMs Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, every constituency holds equal importance to us.
Q2: People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration promised to represent the aspirations of people. With recent divisions, has leadership betrayed the people of J&K?
Given the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, unity among all parties was crucial. The formation of PAGD was a significant step towards this goal, with a larger motive beyond just election battles. It aimed to address various issues collectively, including electoral contests.
“Unity will remain my priority until my last breath. I have done my best and will continue striving for unity. Post-elections, I will redouble efforts to unite everyone for larger objectives. We’ve also pinpointed the causes behind the confusion within PAGD.”
We need to identify those who internally attempted to fracture PAGD and those from other parties who verbally attacked JKNC. Some remained silent for almost two years regarding Article 370’s abrogation and suddenly criticized PAGD on its inaugural day.
JKNC and other parties should also investigate whether these individuals were deployed by BJP or any other party to disrupt PAGD from within. It seems they executed their tasks effectively.
Q3. You mentioned that Parliament has relegated the people of J&K to second-class citizens. What gives you hope as you contest LS polls?
We are hopeful that we will overcome this phase and reclaim the rights granted to us by the Indian Constitution. We would not accept being treated as second-class citizens; that would not be fair.
We rely on hope and support from people across the country who are fighting against unfairness and extremism.
Many groups across India, including in the south, are standing up against the same unfairness. People from different parts of India are speaking up for a stronger federal system.
We have hope and can join them in this fight. Despite challenges from the BJP, we won’t give up. It might take time, but it is everyone’s job to fight for what is right.”
Q4: After the SC’s ruling on Art-370, regional parties like JKNC are asserting they’ll regain special status. Is this just campaign rhetoric, or is it a real possibility?
This decision follows three Supreme Court hearings in favour of Article 370, affirming its status as a permanent feature of the constitution. If those rulings weren’t final, how can this be considered the ultimate call on special status?
Despite previous judgments, BJP has pursued and implemented its manifesto. If they can, why cannot the people of Jammu and Kashmir fight for their own rights? Political action can restore what was lost.
I am not claiming I will single-handedly reinstate Article 370. The people of J&K are not content with these decisions; it is not the status they aligned with India for.
Any decision about our future should involve consultation with the people. Our dignity and other things were stripped away. This is not conducive to a healthy democracy. We will keep fighting for our rights.”
Q5: Before this election, three parliamentarians represented J&K in the parliament, two from NC. Are you satisfied with their work?
They did their best in their own ways. I am accountable for my own work. My efforts will continue to reflect the aspirations of the people. I was prepared for any outcome, past or future.
Over the last five years, people have been in deep distress and fear, hesitant to discuss Article 370. Through this election, I aim to encourage people to speak up about injustice and their rights. Then, through Parliament, we can highlight that the people of J&K are not content with the decision and demand the restoration of special status.”
Q6: You had differences with the party leadership. Were those issues addressed?
Differences can arise within party leadership, but our goal remains unified—to fight for rights and unity. When the party supports you, it shows respect for your ideology. It is a positive step and demonstrates democracy within the party.
Q7: There has been controversy surrounding your age and eligibility to contest elections. What’s the reality behind it?
“I have faced similar challenges in the past, where my nomination papers were scrutinized by the Election Commission of India. They accepted my form and confirmed my candidacy, addressing any questions about my eligibility.
Election dates are initially announced but often get delayed or postponed. In some areas, there’s speculation about documents to favor BJP proxies. There’s a sense of fear and chaos among BJP leadership because people are freely expressing their sentiments. This signals a defeat for BJP and their proxies.”
Q8: What problems do you see youth facing on the ground today?
The people of Jammu and Kashmir have lost their sense of dignity, which has been unjustly taken away from us, leaving us feeling betrayed as a nation.
Youth are under immense stress as they are unable to voice their aspirations freely. Speaking out often leads to repercussions like being slapped with UAPA, PSA, and other restrictive laws.
Opportunities are scarce, and there is tough competition for jobs nationwide. Additionally, essential resources like mining operations have been snatched away.
Despite the extensive security measures in place, drugs are still being supplied to the youth of Kashmir. The biggest question remains: who is behind this, and what is being hidden?
Youth in J&K are unfairly targeted; they are often labelled as terrorists, and even students and vendors are subjected to beatings. My goal is to restore their sense of dignity so they can confidently stand up for their rights.
