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The Wire
a day ago
- Politics
- The Wire
Why Mehbooba Mufti's Meeting With LG Manoj Sinha Has Set Off Speculation
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Politics Why Mehbooba Mufti's Meeting With LG Manoj Sinha Has Set Off Speculation Jehangir Ali 7 minutes ago The move was unusual enough for some political analysts to suggest that the PDP, a party with a 'soft separatist' agenda, is finally coming to terms with the 'harsh realities of J&K.' Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti addresses a press conference after a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan, in Srinagar, Monday, June 2, 2025. Photo: PTI Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Srinagar: Is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti trying to rebuild the bridges with the Bhartiya Janta Party-led Union government that she and her party leaders spent six years tearing down after the reading down of Article 370? In an unusual political departure, Mufti called on the lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar on June 2 – something which sparked speculation in Jammu and Kashmir. Some political analysts suggest that the PDP, a party with a 'soft separatist' agenda, is finally coming to terms with the 'harsh realities in J&K' against the backdrop of the Pahalgam massacre which has temporarily overshadowed the political dialogue over the restoration of J&K's statehood. Other analysts and observers argue that Mufti, who raised the issue of Kashmiri Pandits with Sinha, was ramping up her attacks on chief minister Omar Abdullah whose government had been reduced to a powerless entity in the Union territory while Raj Bhawan holds the reins of power. 'Major shift' Rekha Chowdhary, academic and former professor of political science at the University of Jammu, said that the meeting was laced with irony given that Mehbooba and her party leaders including Pulwama legislator Waheed Parra have been criticising Abdullah for being too close to the Union government. 'It is a major shift,' Chowdhary said, 'Mehbooba Mufti taking the initiative on her own and showing her interest in reconciling with the new political situation reflects that her party is facing existential issues and it has realised that in the present situation (post Pahalgam) nothing is going to change politically for the time being'. 'Relevant' A Srinagar-based senior political analyst who wished not to be named said that Mehbooba was 'trying to keep herself alive politically' at a time when political uncertainty has gripped J&K in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. 'It (Sinha-Mehbooba meeting) could also be a courtesy call or perhaps she is clearing her position after making some strong statements recently (after Pahalgam). She has to keep herself politically relevant both with the public and perhaps with the Union government also and hence the meeting,' he said. As the carnage in Pahalgam has overshadowed J&K's path to statehood, pressure is mounting on Abdullah who seems to be struggling to hold accountable an increasingly assertive bureaucracy which is controlled by the Raj Bhawan. It has been over six months since his elected government was sworn into office. Sharing the podium with prime minister Narendra Modi in Katra during the inauguration of the historic rail link to Kashmir, Abdullah pointed to his 'small demotion' as the chief minister of a state to that of a UT which is administered by the Union government. 'But I am optimistic that the time will soon come when this wrong will be righted and you will restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood,' he said to Modi, evoking a dismissive smile from Sinha who also attended the inauguration ceremony. LG Manoj Sinha, PM Narendra Modi and CM Omar Abdullah during the inauguration of the Chenab Rail Bridge. Photo: X/@narendramodi. On the possibility of J&K UT's transition to a state and Mehbooba Mufti meeting LG to prepare grounds for the same, Choudhary said it would depend on the interpretation of J&K Reorganisation Act and there could be fresh election if J&K's statehood was restored. 'Right now, it is a UT assembly as per this act. I believe there would be another reorganisation act for the transition of J&K to a state that will have its own processes and provisions and which will need the approval of the parliament,' she said. PDP versus NC; NC versus NC She said that the PDP has been cornering the Abdullah government for allegedly reneging on its electoral promises but the narrative that nothing was being done by the ruling party on Article 370 restoration and other issues wasn't gaining much public traction. 'The PDP is very much part of that narrative but the (Abdullah) government looks stable, unless there is some coup like in 1984 and some NC leaders decide to come out of the party. That would lead to a major crisis which I don't see forthcoming,' she said. Abdullah and his allies have 49 seats in the assembly of 90 but the questions over the 'impotence' of the elected government are gaining momentum, even within the ruling party. Last month, senior National Conference leader and three-time legislator from Srinagar's Habba Kadal constituency Shameema Firdous said that Abdullah was unable to deliver on the promises made by the party due to the alleged interferences by Sinha and his administration. 'We thought elections would solve our problems but now we have realised that there are many challenges. We cannot do anything or deliver the promises for which we were voted to power. Even the chief minister is facing problems,' said Firdous, in an interview with ETV. After the Lok Sabha parliamentarian Aga Syed Ruhullah, Firdous has become the second senior leader of the National Conference whose remarks have landed Abdullah in a difficult position. Ruhullah stirred a major row during the National Conference's working committee meeting last month when, without taking names, he sought to target the party leadership for abandoning the promises made in the election manifesto last year, including the restoration of J&K's pre-Article 370 identity and expeditious release of political prisoners. Following a tense exchange with Abdullah, the Srinagar MP offered to resign and later walked out of the meeting (something that was denied by the party), sarcastically dismissing it as a 'public milan ' of the party 'that once stood for something bigger than power'. Later, in a cryptic post on X, Ruhullah indirectly asked the chief minister to wear bangles if he can't deliver on his promises. 'Disillusionment with the elected government has started too early,' senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar said, adding that an 'organic change' was taking place on the political front in Jammu and Kashmir as the ruling party was failing to live up to its electoral promises. Akhtar, a former J&K minister and the PDP ideologue, dismissed attempts to attach political motives to Mufti's volte face, arguing that a clear message had gone out post the massacre at Baisaran meadow that Kashmiris are against all forms of terrorism. 'We thought that this message shouldn't be a one-off occasion. The issue of Kashmiri Pandits seems to have been pushed on the back burner and by seeking their rehabilitation, we are affirming that Kashmir is not a communal issue,' Akhtar said. Chowdhary said that Mehbooba's meeting was an indication of the party's struggle to find relevance in the prevailing political situation, especially as Abdullah was negotiating directly with the Union government while the PDP had been reduced to merely three members in the assembly. 'Rather than talking about hard issues, she must have chosen a softer issue like Kashmiri Pandits because it appeals to many and it can appeal to the Union government also,' she said. She added: 'If PDP is feeling that J&K statehood was going to be restored or some other political development was going to take place, the party would be fixing its act on the ground and trying to win the support of people rather than meeting the LG,' she said. Akhtar said that the party has not given up on its political agenda, 'We will continue to promote peace with dignity which includes political resolution of Kashmir problem and an end to human rights abuses,' he said. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News The Grand Tamasha of Jammu and Kashmir Politics What Amit Shah's Amarnath Yatra Security Meeting Says About Who Controls Law and Order in J&K Lone NC MP in All-Party Delegations to Not Join His Group, Cites Urs at Native Village A PM Dependent on the Opposition Doesn't Bode Well for BJP 'Attack on Religious Right of Kashmir's Muslims,' Says Mirwaiz as J&K Govt Bar Eid Prayers at Srinagar Eidgah Modi's Cult-Driven Foreign Outreach Efforts Have Left India Friendless One Year, Five U-Turns: How Modi 3.0 Was Forced to Bend to Coalition Pulls & Opposition Pressures The Search for the 'Bandung Spirit' Rural Development Ministry Seeks 12% Hike in MGNREGS Outlay: Report About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Hope Eid brings peace, better days for Muslims: J&K CM at Hazratbal
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah extended Eid al-Adha greetings to Muslims on Saturday, calling the festival a time for peace and strengthening brotherhood. Speaking to mediapersons, CM Abdullah said, 'I hope this Eid brings better days ahead for the Muslims of India and the world. I hope it brings peace and strengthens brotherhood. While we are celebrating Eid, unfortunately, once again, permission was denied to offer 'namaz' in Srinagar's iconic Jama Masjid. I don't know the basis of these decisions, but we need to learn to trust our people. These are the same people who came out to protest against the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The government should think about allowing namaz in the historic Jama Masjid.' National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah offered Eid al-Adha prayers at the Hazratbal Dargah and wished everyone Eid Mubarak as he left the premises. Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter and PDP leader Iltija Mufti also offered namaz on the occasion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on Eid ul-Adha and posted on X: 'Best wishes on Eid ul-Adha. May this occasion inspire harmony and strengthen the fabric of peace in our society. Wishing everyone good health and prosperity.' The festival celebrates the spirit of sacrifice and compassion. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The day is marked by prayers, charitable acts, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, with a message of sharing and empathy at its core. The date changes every year, based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 11 days shorter than the 365-day Gregorian calendar. Eid al-Adha is called Bakr-Id in the Indian subcontinent because of the tradition of sacrificing a goat or 'bakri'.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Welcoming PM's rail initiative, Mehbooba, Mirwaiz demand prisoners' release, dialogue on Kashmir
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday (June 6, 2025) welcomed the rail initiatives inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir but demanded confidence-building measures by releasing youth and initiating a dialogue on Kashmir. 'If the Prime Minister truly seeks to reduce the 'dil ki doori' (distance of hearts) which he often mentions in his speeches, then humanitarian steps are the real way forward. Train links are welcome, but it is the human links that truly matter and endure,' the Mirwaiz said, while delivering his sermon at the Jama Masjid in Srinagar. Also read: PM Modi J&K visit highlights He appealed to the Government of India to release political prisoners as 'a goodwill gesture'. 'Thousands of families are in sorrow on Id. Their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers have been incarcerated for years — many without trial — in jails within and outside Jammu and Kashmir. And with each passing day, more of our youth are detained,' the Mirwaiz said. Meanwhile, the Mirwaiz condemned the inhuman killing of 30-year-old Zubair Bhat of Ali Kadal, Srinagar, who was working in New Delhi. 'Zubair's custodial-like death, allegedly at the hands of the Delhi police as claimed by his family, has brought back haunting memories of such deaths and raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of Kashmiris residing or working in different parts of India,' he said. He said that after the recent Pahalgam incident, Kashmiris across the country were increasingly facing hostility. 'And now, an innocent young trader has been killed in cold blood. How long will this go on?' the Mirwaiz asked. He urged the Government of India and the union territory administration to fulfil their constitutional responsibility and ensure the safety, security, and dignity of all Kashmiri citizens, especially those outside the region. 'The silence and inaction only embolden those targeting Kashmiris,' he said. In a separate statement, Ms. Mufti welcomed the train to Kashmir and termed the project a culmination of what so many governments worked on and capped by the government of Narendra Modi. 'We welcome the train. The work had been on for the past 40 years, ever since Indira Gandhi started the Jammu-Udhampur railway link in 1983. All governments have worked on this project, and Prime Minister Modi has completed it,' she said. Ms. Mufti said she was happy that Mr. Modi had acknowledged the stand taken by the people of Kashmir against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack. She appealed to the Prime Minister to mark the occasion of Id with a humanitarian gesture by ordering the immediate release of prisoners, particularly youth, detained on suspicion or without serious charges. 'Such an act would reflect the essence of this festival, rebuild trust, and demonstrate a commitment to dialogue and reconciliation,' she said. She said prolonged detentions without substantial evidence deepen alienation and hinder peace efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. 'It's important to address the aspirations of the people and foster a future where dignity and fairness prevail,' she said, in her Id message.
United News of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
PM launches Kashmir train, Mehbooba and Mirwaiz urge release of Kashmiri prisoners
Srinagar, June 6 (UNI) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express connecting Katra with Srinagar, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti and Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq welcomed the improved connectivity but appealed Centre to release Kashmiri prisoners ahead of Eid for healing and justice. PDP chief Mehbooba welcomed the launch of Vande Bharat connecting Kashmir to Jammu via rail and said this long-awaited step promises ease for commuters & boosts connectivity in our region. The former chief minister urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show statesmanship by releasing Kashmiri youth and political detainees. 'On the solemn occasion of Eid Al Adha, I urge Hon'ble PM to consider releasing Kashmiri youth jailed on mere suspicion post the Pahalgam attack. The collective condemnation of the incident by people across the political spectrum reflects our shared rejection of violence. It's time to show statesmanship and compassion, especially towards those languishing in jails across India without serious charges. Let this Eid be a moment of healing and reconciliation,' she said in a statement. Addressing the Friday congregation at Srinagar's historic Jamia mosque in old Srinagar, Mirwaiz, who is also Kashmir's chief cleric, called for the release of prisoners on Eid-ul-Adha as a goodwill gesture. He said that for thousands of families in J&K, the Eid festival brings more pain than joy. 'Their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers have been incarcerated for years—many without trial—in jails within and outside J&K. And each passing day, more of our youth are detained,' he said. Mirwaiz said that all such prisoners, including political leadership, remain in the prayers and thoughts of the people. 'If the Prime Minister truly seeks to reduce the 'dil ki doori' (distance of hearts) which he often mentions in his speeches, then such humanitarian steps are the real way forward. Train links are welcome, but it is the human links that truly matter and endure,' Mirwaiz said. Kashmir's chief cleric also termed the death of Zubair Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Srinagar, under mysterious circumstances in New Delhi on Monday deeply disturbing. While Zubair's family claimed their son was killed in Delhi, police in Delhi said there was no 'indication of foul play' in his death. UNI MJR BD
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘All governments worked on this': Mehbooba Mufti welcomes train to Kashmir, credits collective effort
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday welcomed the arrival of the train to Kashmir, calling it a significant milestone achieved through the combined efforts of successive governments over four decades. Speaking to reporters, Mufti acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in completing the ambitious project, which began with the Jammu-Udhampur railway link under former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1983. 'We welcome the train. The work had been on for the past 40 years, ever since Indira Gandhi started the Jammu-Udhampur railway link in 1983,' PTI quoted Mufti. 'All governments have worked on this project, and Modi has completed it. It was very difficult, but he has done it, and people are happy with it,' Mufti added. Responding to the prime minister's speech in Katra earlier in the day, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister was pleased by Modi's acknowledgment of the Kashmiri people's firm rejection of terrorism, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. 'I am also happy that Modi has acknowledged the stand taken by the people of Kashmir against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Promoções imperdíveis de voos baratos Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo He appreciated Adil Shah, who laid down his life while saving a tourist. This is who Kashiris are,' she said. However, Mufti expressed concern over the spate of arrests in the Valley following the attack, questioning the Centre's justification for detaining large numbers of youths, often without formal charges. 'It is my humble request to the government to review these arrests,' she said. She also called for the release of the detained Kashmiri people on the occasion of Eid. 'When you admit that Kashmiris are peace-loving people, these people should be released on the eve of Eid. Those who do not have any serious charges against them or those who have been detained only on suspicion.'
