Mehbooba Continues Vicious Rhetoric, Labels J&K’s UT Foundation As 'Black Day'

Srinagar: People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra condemned Union Territory Foundation Day as a "black day" for people of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Both leers criticised day for symbolising disenfranchisement rar than development.

lieutenant goverr's ministration marked fifth foundation day of J&K UT with celebrations, which were met with significant opposition from various political factions. Mufti stated that what h occurred in J&K h precedent elsewhere. 

“Today is a black day for PDP and people of J&K until our special privileges are restored,” she said during a press conference in Pulwama.

Mufti emphasized that October 31 should t be regarded as a day of celebration. 

“ so-called 'Foundation Day' fails to represent will and aspirations of people of J&K,” she remarked, reiterating her party's commitment to continue its struggle until Kashmir issue was resolved for peace with dignity.

She furr criticised imposition of Union Territory status as an unjust act, claiming it represented a systematic disenfranchisement of region's citizens.

" transformation of our historically automous state into a Union Territory, without our consent, erased our statehood and special status," Mufti said.

abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in August 2019 was highlighted by Mufti as a significant turning point, as it removed constitutional protections for J&K's unique identity and resources. 

She argued that se articles h been vital for region's automy and self-governance, and ir removal h left J&K's future in hands of centralised control.

Mainstream political parties in valley criticized LG ministration's celebration of UT Foundation Day, with National Conference and or leers opting to skip event. 

Karra echoed sentiment, stating, “For people of Jammu and Kashmir, it is a black day. Expecting celebrations from people is asking for too much." 

He affirmed that Congress party would t partake in events that undermine constitutional framework of region.

criticism from se political leers reflects ongoing discontent in Jammu and Kashmir regarding changes implemented by central government and ir impact on local governance and rights.

(With PTI inputs)