BJP’s post-Article 370 policy has worsened ground situation in IIOJK: Mehbooba Mufti
Jammu: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the BJP-led Indian government, saying its decision to revoke the special status of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has completely failed and has only worsened the situation on the ground.
According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing reporters in Jammu today, Mehbooba Mufti said, “Six full years have passed since August 5, 2019. At that time, Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was taken away, and Article 370 was abrogated with the claim that everything would be fine in Jammu and Kashmir. But we have seen that the policy has completely failed.”
She said that the internal situation in the territory has deteriorated rather than improved, marked by crackdowns, arrests and repression. “For the past six years, arrests have been made daily. The ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir has become worse than before, although people are silent today [due to fear],” she said.
Mufti also took aim at BJP’s broader regional strategy, saying its “aggressive policies” have undermined peace efforts. “Unfortunately, the BJP has created such an atmosphere in the country that today all groups are saying, why did you agree to a ceasefire? This is the BJP’s aggressive policy.” She said that India’s continuous hostility with Pakistan was damaging the country’s economy and keeping people trapped in poverty and unemployment. Mufti said dialogue not just globally, but with Pakistan and the people of Jammu and Kashmir was essential for lasting peace.
