SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday asserted that in its political struggle, PDP was led by the interests of the people and not by a personal ambition for power.
Addressing a worker’s convention in North Kashmir’s Kupwara, Mufti highlighted the historical pitfalls of JK’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.
“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 added.
Mufti emphasized that the PDP was seen by the BJP as an obstacle to its plans in JK. “Despite these challenges, we continued the fight for the rights, dignity, and identity of the people of J&K.”
While addressing the convention, senior leader and former Member Parliament Dr Mehboob Beg Said that PDP has always advocated unity at all levels.
“We have always supported and propagated unity. But this must be reciprocated by one and all with utmost sincerity of purpose, else it can’t be at the cost of dignity and self respect,” he said.
