Malik Sumeed
Srinagar 28 July (KNB): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Leader Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said during 22nd Foundation Day of PDP here in Srinagar that the people of Kashmir had accepted India because it was a secular and democratic nation.
While addressing a gathering at party headquarters in Srinagar on the 22nd Foundation day of PDP, Mehbooba said that the PDP party was formed to end the suppression and other problems faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Further reminding the gathering about the purpose of PDP, Mehbooba said, “Don’t forget the reason for which this party was created as we had said that we will solve the issue of Kashmir and to make the relations of Pakistan and India better.”
While citing the examples from history of Kashmir, she said that India must remember that the people of Kashmir are brave hearted and not a cowardly nation that will be suppressed and silenced.
Referring to the Indian Flag being raised on Security Forces installations and Government establishments, She said that the people of Kashmir had come out with the tri-color back in the days when there was not even a trace of them. “Kashmiris accepted India because it was known as a secular and democratic nation.” she added.
PDP Chief said that the forces that were brought to Jammu and Kashmir back in 1947 by the then leaders are now not fighting against their enemies, such as China, but are trying to scare the people of the valley.
She further said that status taken back in 2019 has to be restored with that too of interest. “The special status to J&K was not given by any particular party but by the constitution and the people of India,” she further said, adding that “if India achieved freedom after fighting for a 100 years and BJP spent 70 years after scrapping the article 370 unconstitutionally then why can’t we struggle for solving the Kashmir issue.”
Moreover, Mehbooba Mufti also said that today people of Kashmir are pointing their fingers at the IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar regarding the killing of the three Kashmiri youth in encounters, claimed by their parents as innocents. She also seeked for an investigation into these killings.
Further during her address, Mehbooba advised the youth to not pick up arms and also emphasized on choosing a non-violent path, while citing the example of Mahatma Gandhi.
PDP Chief also emphasized on starting the trade with neighbouring country Pakistan by opening of the Mughal and Muzaffarabad Roads. “I say start talking to Pakistan and initiate trade with them.” (KNB)