SC’s Pahalgam remark shows Centre’s lack of confidence in J&K stability: Mehbooba

Srinagar, Aug 14: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said that the Supreme Court’s recent reference to the Pahalgam terror attack while discussing the question of granting statehood to Jammu and Kashmir highlights the Centre’s continued lack of confidence in the region’s stability.

In a statement, shared on X, Mehbooba said that even after the abrogation of Article 370 and the downgrading of J&K into a Union Territory, the Government of India (GOI) appears reluctant to loosen its grip.

“This reflects a deeper political and psychological deadlock,” it said.

Mehbooba said the J&K issue extends far beyond questions of statehood or constitutional status. “Unless New Delhi engages with the political aspirations of the people and addresses the core issue head-on, it will remain on uncertain footing regardless of the force it deploys,” she said.

Mehbooba urged the Centre to “correct past missteps” and initiate a “sincere process of dialogue and reconciliation” to bring lasting peace and restore dignity to the region.