Kashmir issue not just about holding poll, Mehbooba Mufti slams BJP

Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has succeeded in reducing the resolution of the Kashmir issue to holding of the Assembly elections.

“The BJP has succeeded in reducing the Kashmir issue — for which lakhs of people have died, children were orphaned and we suffered losses of billions — to Article 370 and then to restoration of statehood and elections,” Mufti told reporters.

She said: “Some parties are rejoicing that elections are taking place and talk about restoration of statehood. It is like to looking for shoes after amputating the feet. I feel Kashmir is a core issue for the PDP for which we worked in the past. We opened roads and dialogue took place. Limiting the issue just to statehood is an injustice to people”.

On a question about the NC and Congress pre-poll alliance, Mufti said the party was not based on principles.

“It is a seat sharing for power. Look at the seat where the JKPCC president (Tariq Hamid Karra) is contesting…what is happening in Tral,” she said.

“Wherever the NC has left the seat for the Congress, an NC leader is contesting as an Independent and they have the full support of NC cadres,” she said.

Asked about the remarks made by BJP leader Ram Madhav that former militants were campaigning for the NC and PDP, Mufti said being a surrendered militant should not be used as a slur and it is not right.