Mehbooba Continues Vicious Rhetoric, Labels J&K’s UT Foundation As 'Black Day'

Srinagar: People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra condemned the Union Territory Foundation Day as a "black day" for the people of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Both leaders criticised the day for symbolising disenfranchisement rather than development.

The lieutenant governor's administration marked the fifth foundation day of J&K UT with celebrations, which were met with significant opposition from various political factions. Mufti stated that what had occurred in J&K had no precedent elsewhere. 

“Today is a black day for the PDP and the people of J&K until our special privileges are restored,” she said during a press conference in Pulwama.

Mufti emphasized that October 31 should not be regarded as a day of celebration. 

“The so-called 'Foundation Day' fails to represent the will and aspirations of the people of J&K,” she remarked, reiterating her party's commitment to continue its struggle until the Kashmir issue was resolved for peace with dignity.

She further criticised the imposition of Union Territory status as an unjust act, claiming it represented a systematic disenfranchisement of the region's citizens.

"The transformation of our historically autonomous state into a Union Territory, without our consent, erased our statehood and special status," Mufti said.

The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019 was highlighted by Mufti as a significant turning point, as it removed constitutional protections for J&K's unique identity and resources. 

She argued that these articles had been vital for the region's autonomy and self-governance, and their removal had left J&K's future in the hands of centralised control.

Mainstream political parties in the valley criticized the LG administration's celebration of the UT Foundation Day, with the National Conference and other leaders opting to skip the event. 

Karra echoed the sentiment, stating, “For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a black day. Expecting celebrations from the people is asking for too much." 

He affirmed that the Congress party would not partake in events that undermine the constitutional framework of the region.

The criticism from these political leaders reflects the ongoing discontent in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the changes implemented by the central government and their impact on local governance and rights.

(With PTI inputs)