Mehbooba Mufti, chief of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, termed the foundation day of the union territory a “black day” for the region.
While addressing Pulwama reporters, Mufti said, “What has happened to J&K has not happened anywhere before. Today is a black day for the people of J&K, especially for the PDP. We will consider it a black day until J&K’s special privileges are restored.”
She categorically said her party would continue the struggle till the Kashmir issue is resolved and peace is restored with dignity. “I hope the newly elected government will unite all communities and work to improve the current situation in J&K,” she added.
Meanwhile, Tariq Hameed Karra termed the day of the union territory’s foundation a “black day.” He attacked the expectation that people would celebrate such a thing. The expectation, he insisted, was unfair considering the circumstances of the union territory.
The lieutenant governor-led administration marked the fifth foundation day of the J&K Union Territory on Thursday. But mainstream parties in the Valley refused to celebrate it and boycotted the event.
Besides leaders from the People’s Conference and CPI(M), the ruling National Conference, including Sajad Gani Lone and Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, respectively, also stayed away. Tarigami said, “The administration had decided to go ahead with the programme despite the resentment among the people being so apparent.
“It is a black day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Under such circumstances, to expect celebration is to ask for too much.” Karra said to explain the absence of Congress leaders from the function at the lieutenant governor’s place.
He added that the Congress party would not participate in any function that demoralizes the constitutional system. “This sentiment is shared not just by the Congress party but all those affected by this situation,” he added.
