Govt shouldn't adopt harsh measures: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Nov 04: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti Monday said that New Delhi can’t heal wounds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir without resolving Kashmir issue. She said government should not adopt harsh measures and make people of J&K realize that they are not part of democratic country.

Speaking to media persons outside the residence of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Nigeen, the PDP president said it is heartbreaking to hear of the demise of Moulvi Ahmad Shah Sahib, and even more tragic that Mirwaiz Umar Sahib was prevented from attending the funeral. I fail to understand why this government takes such steps, which only remind the people of Kashmir that they are not part of a democratic nation.

Expressing her sorrow, Mehbooba remarked that it was "unfortunate" that families divided by the Line of Control (LoC) were not allowed to mourn together, adding that the Mirwaiz family should have been permitted to unite in their time of grief.

Mehbooba expressed surprise over approach of government towards people of Jammu and Kashmir. “...I don't know why the government treats the people of J&K as if they are not part of a democratic country but are living here like slaves,” she said.

She held that PDP founder and former chief minister J&K Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had a vision that inter-border mobility should start to get to a proper solution of J&K.

“Mufti sahib had a vision that roads across should be opened and peoples’ connectivity should be ensured to pave proper way for dignified solution to the issue of Jammu & Kashmir,” she said.

“New Delhi cannot heal wounds of people of J&K without addressing and resolving Kashmir issue,” Mehbooba said.

The PDP president also expressed her disappointment over disallowing of funeral in absentia of Late Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Ahmad, who passed away in Rawalpindi Pakistan.