Jammu, March 30: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has called for concerted efforts from both the government and the opposition to reinstate the prominence and dignity of the Legislative Assembly.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mufti made these remarks following her visit to the Assembly speaker’s gallery, marking her first appearance in the House since the collapse of the BJP-supported government in 2018. She observed proceedings for a portion of the Question Hour.
During her visit, Mufti noted the importance of the Assembly as an institution. She expressed that the Assembly’s value and authority have faced diminution, particularly since 2019, the year the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked and the erstwhile state was reorganized into two Union Territories.
Mufti stated that her party, the PDP, is prepared to support initiatives aimed at gradually rebuilding the institution. She emphasized that while the PDP would contribute, the ruling National Conference bears a significant responsibility. She expressed a firm belief that through the combined efforts of both the government and the opposition, the lost stature of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly can be regained.
The PDP president also highlighted that her party has introduced various bills within the Assembly that do not necessitate statehood and can be enacted under the current Union framework. These include proposals for the creation of new divisions and districts, and the granting of ownership rights to impoverished individuals who have resided on small land parcels for extended periods.
Referring to the election promises made by the National Conference, Mufti underscored the government’s obligation to fulfill its commitments, particularly concerning employment, reservations, and regularization. She pointed out the precarious situation of daily wage workers, describing their condition as extremely poor and their struggle to make ends meet. Mufti urged the government to revisit and examine the framework introduced by the PDP during its tenure to address the issue of daily wagers, advocating for its consideration as a humanitarian concern rather than a political one.
In a separate statement, Mufti commented on the West Asia crisis, noting that Iran is demonstrating a spirit of sacrifice, with its soldiers ready to lay down their lives. She contrasted this with reports suggesting a reluctance to fight among soldiers from countries like the United States and Israel. Mufti expressed her belief that Iran would ultimately emerge victorious in the conflict.
The Chenab Times News Desk