Kupwara, Dec 03: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) President and former Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that the party is guided by the people’s interests and not personal desire for power in its political struggle.
Addressing a worker’s convention in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, Mehbooba emphasised the party’s commitment to the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) over personal desires for power.
In her address, Mufti highlighted the “historical pitfalls” of J&K’s political landscape, where alliances with the Central government often prioritised power dynamics rather than the well-being of the region’s inhabitants. However, she underscored that the PDP’s engagements with national parties, such as the Congress in 2002 and the BJP in 2014, were driven by a commitment to securing the interests of the people.
Mufti elaborated on the alliance with Congress, emphasising a written common minimum program that aimed at dismantling draconian laws like POTA, disbanding the Special Operations Group (SOG), and bringing relief to the lives of people affected by conflict and violence. “Similarly, the alliance with the BJP was based on a written agenda of alliance, with a focus on safeguarding the rights and identity of the people of J&K through the special status of the state, including preconditions for dialogue and reconciliation to ensure sustainable peace,” she said.
Expressing concern, the former CM highlighted the BJP’s view of the PDP as a “roadblock to its designs” in J&K, citing efforts to weaken the party before the unilateral abrogation of Article 370. “Despite these challenges, the party’s determination to continue the fight for the rights, dignity, and identity of the people of J&K,” she said. Mufti urged party members and supporters to “stay united in the face of the grave challenges presented in this struggle”.
Addressing the convention, senior leader and former Member of Parliament Dr Mehboob Beg said, “Respecting the sentiments of the people of J&K for unity and understating how crucial it is in the struggle for dignity and rights of the people of J&K, PDP has always advocated unity at all levels.” Party’s Chief Spokesperson Syed Suhail Bukhari also addressed the convention.
