Srinagar, Aug 3: Senior politician and former three-time MLA from Karnah constituency, Kafil-ur-Rehman, formally joined the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti welcomed him into the party fold at the PDP headquarters in Srinagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Mehbooba Mufti launched a scathing attack on the current administration, saying that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the Valley, has worsened since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, said a party statement.
“August 5 marks six years of devastation in Jammu and Kashmir. People had hopes from the new government, but unfortunately, nothing has changed on the ground. The same arrests, same harassment and the same atmosphere of fear continue,” said Mehbooba.
She expressed deep concern over the plight of Kashmiri youth, stating that thousands have been jailed across various prisons in the country. “We have been trying through a Supreme Court lawyer to find out the exact number of Kashmiri youths imprisoned inside and outside J&K, but no information is being shared with us,” she said.
Targeting the administration, Mehbooba said the government seems more focused on transfers of Patwaris and BDOs rather than addressing the pressing issues of the region. “Instead of resolving basic issues like sand and gravel availability, environmental protection and restoring local resources, they are busy elsewhere,” she added.
“There is a sense of suffocation among the people here.” Mehbooba said.
