Mehbooba urges IIOJK parties to learn from Ladakh unity for collective rights
Calls for end to raids, arrests of Kashmiri youth, ban institutions
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has urged political parties in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir to learn from Ladakh’s unity in pursuing its demands and form a common platform to take up political, social and economic issues with New Delhi.
Speaking at the 5th ‘Halla Bolle’ conclave in Srinagar, Mehbooba said occupied Jammu and Kashmir cannot address its challenges through individual parties acting alone.
“We should learn a lesson from Ladakh — the way they came together to push for their demands,” she said, referring to Ladakh’s collective mobilisation for statehood and Sixth Schedule. She said until all parties form an alliance and engage with New Delhi, they will not be able to stop banning of institutions, raids, arrests and detentions of youth.
“Our biggest challenge is that 60 percent of our population comprises youths. What are we going to do for them? We not only have to answer their questions, but also understand their difficulties,” she said, adding prolonged detentions and surveillance have created difficulties for families and could further alienate younger generation.
Mehbooba said she had written letters to heads of all political parties for unity and everybody except National Conference responded positively.
“NC apparently dismissed the idea even before going through the letter,” she said, adding she had no personal or political ego and her only concern is future of children which is at stake. She accused the NC-led government of normalising the situation in IIOJK, saying issues over arrests, dismissals and other measures earlier protested against are now being treated as routine. She claimed IIOJK risked losing its language, culture and traditions facing onslaught under BJP-led Indian government unless political class comes together.
