SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Spokesperson Dr Mehboob Beigh on Thursday said that the ongoing political and social environment raises serious concerns about the state of democracy, as Muslims continue to face targeted measures, statehood remains uncertain, and basic issues such as Waqf are not being allowed to be raised in the Assembly.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar after a party meeting chaired by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Dr Beigh said, “Muslims, especially men, are being targeted in various ways—be it clothing, food, or religious practices. If the government claims there is no religious bias, then how is this being justified?”
He criticised Assembly Speaker Rahim Rather for not allowing a discussion on Waqf issues. “When even in a Muslim-majority Assembly, members are not allowed to speak on Waqf matters, what does that say about democratic practice? We did not expect such conduct from the Speaker,” he said.
The PDP meeting focused on the post-election environment, legislative matters, and the broader political situation. “The people have clearly rejected BJP and given a mandate to the NC. The same BJP was seen as pushing people to the wall. This vote was a reaction to that pressure,” Beigh stated.
Questioning Omar Abdullah’s silence on the restoration of statehood, he said, “We are not asking for conflict—we are asking for something the Prime Minister has also spoken about. If Omar Sahib cannot even demand a timeline for statehood, then what is the purpose of leading the government?”
He continued, “Why is the Omar Abdullah-led government silent? The Chief Minister should at least request a timeline from the Centre. If nothing else can be done, he should speak.”
Referring to Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that militancy is under control but not completely eliminated, Beigh asked, “Does that mean the local government should remain inactive? Should statehood be delayed indefinitely on that basis?”
He clarified that the PDP is not seeking confrontation but accountability. “We are not inciting any clash. We are asking questions that concern every citizen. Why are these questions seen as a threat?” (JKNS)
