People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Friday accused the National Conference (NC) of being responsible for Kashmir’s political instability and the bloodshed that followed the 1987 elections.
Addressing a gathering in Palhallan, Mufti, claimed that NC’s actions, driven by “greed for power”, led to election rigging that imprisoned leaders like Yasin Malik and Syed Salahuddin and ultimately pushing many towards militancy.
“Their lust for the chair in 1987 has left our mothers and sisters mourning at graveyards,” she said.
Mufti also accused the NC of attempting to exploit the narrative that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had fractured the PDP to secure seats for themselves. “Since 1947, they have pursued power without regard for the dignity or respect of the people,” she remarked.
The PDP chief held NC responsible for the split of the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), which aimed to present a united political front in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.
Highlighting her party’s achievements during its tenure with NC, Mehbooba mentioned “milestones” such as reopening the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, dismantling “oppressive” forces like the task force and POTA, and facilitating dialogue between Hurriyat, the Government of India and Pakistan.
In a direct challenge to NC vice president Omar Abdullah, Mufti said, “Let Omar present the record of their five years with the BJP, and I will present mine from just two years.”—(KNO)
