Speaker imposing martial law: Mehbooba
PDP chief joins signature campaign seeking ban on liquor in IIOJK
Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has criticized the Speaker of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather for imposing a form of “martial law”.
Mufti said the role of the Speaker of an Assembly is to safeguard the rights of the members of the House and not act as a censor.
“While Rather may be concerned with preserving the sanctity of Legislative proceedings, as Speaker, his primary role is to safeguard the rights of members, not to act as a censor,” she posted on X.
“Regrettably, it appears that Rather, a seasoned politician, is imposing a form of martial law while occupying a constitutional position,” she added.
Meanwhile at south Kashmir’s Pulwama, Mufti joined the party’s signature campaign seeking a ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign was launched by her daughter and party leader Iltija Mufti the other day.
Talking to reporters in Pulwama, Mufti appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to support the bills brought by her party. The PDP Chief also appealed to Omar that such business rules should not be framed in the territory that put a stamp of approval on the unconstitutional and illegal decisions of August 5, 2019.
Mufti saif that the National Conference, with 50 MLAs and 2 MPs, must take a firm stand on key issues, including Article 370 and 35A, and not shy away from discussing them openly.
“The people have the right to know about major issues. If a wrong and unconstitutional decision was made in 2019, business rules should not be framed in a way that legitimizes it under a popular government,” she said.
She also criticized the lack of discussion on issues such as tourism, youth welfare, and substance abuse, stating that political leaders must address these concerns instead of avoiding them.
Mufti reaffirmed her commitment to protecting public rights and ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people.
