Voter turnout reflects people’s anger against Article 370 abrogation: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, May 15: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday stated that voter turnout in recently held phases of Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir reflected people’s anger against the decisions taken by New Delhi on August 05, 2019 which led to the abrogation of Article 370 and 35(A).

She said people of J&K feel betrayed with such decisions and reiterated “the government of India has to reverse these decisions sooner or later”.

Speaking to reporters during election campaign in south Kashmir for Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, Mehbooba Mufti said with the abrogation of Article 370 people of Jammu & Kashmir feel betrayed by New Delhi. She said the voter turnout in recently concluded phases of Lok Sabha elections in J&K reflected people’s anger against decisions of August 05, 2019.

Terming the decision of Article 370 abrogation “unacceptable” for people of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba said that Government of India has to reverse such declarations sooner or later.

“Today there is no electricity in J&K, though parts of country are receiving electricity free of cost, unemployment has broken records and dissent is disallowed. In such a situation there is a need to give mandate to a credible voice who will flag up concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament,” she said.

She said there should have been a joint candidate of PAGD for Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary segment, but “I tried utmost to keep the unity intact but it couldn’t”.

“PDP freed people of Jammu and Kashmir from the clutches of Task Force and Ikhwan. Also POTA was invalidated. Many colleges, universities were granted to south Kashmir. Thousands of educated youth were roped in Rehbr-e-Taleem scheme. Besides dialogue with Pakistan was started and roads were opened for the larger interest of people dwelling on both sides of borders,” she said.

Mehbooba added that NC is indulging in discrediting the worth of south Kashmir, by importing candidate for Lok Sabha polls. “NC brought candidate from central Kashmir who has to contest polls here. Was there not anyone deserving here who will fight election on Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary seat,” Mehbooba criticized.