Mehbooba Mufti Welcomes New PDP Members, Emphasizes Strengthening Party in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), welcomed several new members to the party during an event in Srinagar. She expressed her concern over the ongoing protests across the region, highlighting demonstrations by interns, NHM workers, and Anganwadi staff. Mufti pointed out the dual challenges of rising inflation and the dissatisfaction regarding their salaries and stipends.

During her address, she introduced Daljeet and Sheetal as the latest members to join the PDP, stating, “I welcome everyone joining our party. Currently, 38% of people in Jammu and Kashmir are unemployed. The government seems to have given up on addressing these issues. I believe that with these new members, the PDP can strengthen its position in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Recently, Mufti criticized the government, alleging that the police have denied permission for PDP’s peaceful protests concerning public welfare, while facilitating protests between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference (NC).

On social media platform X, she wrote, “The same police that do not allow the PDP to protest peacefully on public interest issues have helped the BJP and NC in their demonstrations against each other.” She called for an explanation regarding the apparent double standards in law enforcement, questioning who approves these selective restrictions and why different political parties are treated differently.

Additionally, PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para commented on X, describing the protests by the NC and BJP as a mere spectacle. He claimed that amid rising unemployment and administrative failures in Jammu and Kashmir, it appears that these parties are engaging in a “fixed match” with their voters. “People are not just spectators; they remember everything,” he added.

It is worth noting that the ruling National Conference has recently staged protests demanding the restoration of statehood and constitutional protections for Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the BJP has accused the NC government of failing to fulfill its electoral promises and has announced plans for a protest march to the Civil Secretariat.