Srinagar, November 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of creating mistrust between the people of the Union Territory and the Centre.
Addressing a party workers’ convention at Sher-e-Kashmir Municipal Park on the occasion of the PDP’s Foundation Day, she referred to recent statements by NC president Farooq Abdullah, questioning his contrasting remarks about Pakistan and India.
Recalling the role of NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India, Mehbooba said he had reposed faith in the country despite the region being Muslim-majority. She also recalled his association with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
She accused the NC leadership of abandoning the demand for autonomy and alleged that the party was also responsible for the suffering of Kashmiris during the years of militancy.
“They (NC) used ‘Ikhwanis (renegade militants) against people during militancy,” she said.
Mehbooba said the PDP was founded to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s dignity and identity and had never pursued a “double agenda”.
Questioning the Centre over what she described as growing suspicion towards Kashmiris, she alleged that youngsters were being beaten, Kashmiri officers removed from service and tribal communities evicted.
She urged the Centre to initiate dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, asking how long the region could be governed through force. Referring to developments in Delhi on October 10, she said the government should address public anger and concerns instead of attempting to project peace through coercive measures.
Warning against attempts to alter Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, she said those seeking to undermine the region would themselves face consequences. She stressed that people deserved a political environment based on trust, accountability and respect.
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