Srinagar, Sep 06 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti today said that BJP succeeded to change discourse in Kashmir—from Kashmir issue resolution to Article 370 to Statehood and now elections. She, however, said that PDP was committed to fight for the resolution of Kashmir issue.
“Isn’t it a fact that earlier, the main discourse in Kashmir was resolution of the issue? BJP employed its tactics and reduced the issues from Kashmir to Article 370 to Statehood and now elections. But PDP is committed to fight for the resolution of Kashmir issue,” she said talking to reporters in Srinagar.
About BJP J&K election affairs incharge Ram Madhav’s recent assertions that NC and PDP were enjoying the support of former terrorists, she said the surrendered terrorists who have laid down the arms and want to live a dignified life, deserve the same respect as a common man. “Aren’t they humans, don’t they deserve to live a normal life. Now who is blackmailing them to join a particular party, is what Ram Madhav knows very well,” she said
Asked whether Centre should talk to Pakistan, PDP chief said that she and her party believes in reconciliation. “This is our party’s manifesto and commitment. But the fact remains the terror and oppression unleashed by the BJP in Kashmir over the past six years has left the people in state of suffocation. Process of reconciliation needs to be started with J&K people first then Pakistan,” she said.
Mehbooba welcomed prominent broadcaster and social activist Shoqia Qureshi in the party fold. Present on the occasion was PDP leader and party’s candidate from Wagoora-Kreei Basharat Bukhari
