SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) has accused the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of revealing its political mindset through recent remarks made by PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. The NC also reiterated its commitment to a peaceful, democratic campaign for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Additional General Secretary of the NC and a Rajya Sabha MP, stated that the party would continue its efforts until the Central Government fulfils its promise of restoring the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. Ramzan addressed party leaders and office-bearers at the NC headquarters in Srinagar, emphasizing that the restoration of the region’s special constitutional position is intrinsically linked with the return of statehood. He characterized the party’s ongoing movement as both a constitutional obligation and a democratic imperative.
According to Ramzan, the National Conference remains steadfast in its resolve to reinstate the democratic rights and constitutional guarantees for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He affirmed that the party would persist in pursuing this objective through democratic channels. The NC’s campaign for statehood commenced on July 11 from the Hazratbal shrine and has reportedly gained significant momentum. This momentum was further amplified by a recent protest in New Delhi, which was led by NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and saw participation from senior party leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah (at the time of writing, assuming the source is dated), cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and leaders from various secular parties.
Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan indicated that the National Conference would persistently remind the Central Government of its past assurances regarding the restoration of statehood until these commitments are honoured. He also directed a critique towards political rivals, alleging that the BJP’s associated parties, referred to as its “A, B and C teams,” deliberately abstained from supporting the NC’s statehood movement to avoid displeasing the Bharatiya Janata Party. Ramzan claimed that the public has come to understand this implicit understanding between these parties and the BJP.
In response to recent statements attributed to Mehbooba Mufti in New Delhi, Ramzan asserted that her comments concerning Kashmiri protesters accurately reflect the PDP’s political orientation. He further alleged that PDP leaders were attempting to deflect attention by falsely claiming that the National Conference had circulated fabricated videos. Ramzan urged party workers to maintain close ties with the populace, actively address public grievances across all appropriate platforms, and work towards their resolution.
The NC’s ongoing efforts highlight the persistent demand for statehood and the restoration of special status in Jammu and Kashmir, a region with a complex political history and unique constitutional arrangements. The party’s strategy involves sustained public engagement and political advocacy, aiming to pressure the central government to uphold its prior commitments. The political discourse in the region often involves sharp exchanges between major political parties, each vying for influence and presenting their vision for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chenab Times News Desk