Ruhullah Mehdi rejects claims linking violence in IIOJK to Article 370
Urges NC critics to take on Modi instead of attacking him
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), National Conference leader and Indian parliament member from Srinagar, Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, has rejected claims that violence in the territory is linked to Article 370, calling such assertions “propaganda”.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Ruhullah Mehdi said, “Linking Article 370 with militancy is nothing but propaganda. Such incidents were happening before 2019, and the same are happening now”.
He emphasized the need to restore democratic rights and empower states, stating that people in IIOJK felt empowered when they had special status and now feel disempowered after its revocation. “There is a dire need to empower states through democratic rights. People in J&K felt empowered with the special status; after its abrogation, they feel disempowered,” he said.
Addressing criticism within his own party, Ruhullah urged dissenting NC leaders to focus their political energy on challenging the Modi government instead of targeting him. “Those leaders who are speaking against me just to keep their boss happy should fight against Modi with the same courage and posture.”
Ruhullah also took aim at NC Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, saying he should have “kept his ego aside” and fought for the mandate he received from the people. “Omar Abdullah should have set ego aside and instead of making personal attacks, he should fight for what he got votes for,” he said.
On the recent Nowgam police station blast, Ruhullah demanded a thorough and impartial investigation, questioning the circumstances under which the ammunition was being transported. He described the mishandling as “highly unprofessional” and said it required an independent probe.
