Mufti calls for restoring J&K Assembly’s dignity

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for joint efforts by the government and the opposition to restore the dignity and authority of the Legislative Assembly.

In her first visit to the Assembly since the fall of the BJP-PDP government in 2018, Mufti observed the proceedings as a visitor.

Speaking to mediapersons outside the Assembly, she said, “Today I visited the Assembly and felt good. It especially reminded me of my father (Mufti Mohammad Sayeed). Our Assembly is a very important institution. However, its value and authority have been diminished since 2019.”

Emphasising the need for collective responsibility, she said, “The PDP will certainly play its role, but the ruling party (NC) also has a major responsibility. I firmly believe that through the collective efforts of both the government and the opposition, the lost strength of the J&K Assembly can be restored.”

She said the PDP had introduced several Bills that do not require statehood and could be passed “within the existing Union framework”, citing issues such as regularisation of daily wagers, creation of new divisions and districts and granting ownership rights to the poor living on small parcels of land for years.

Referring to the National Conference’s poll promises, Mufti said it is the government’s responsibility to fulfil its commitments, particularly on employment, reservation and regularisation.