Mehbooba Mufti Says Scrapping of Article 370 Failed to Bring Peace, Warns of Rising Tensions in J&K

By A Staff Reporter

SRINAGAR | Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday strongly criticized the Central Government’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370, marking six years since the state's special status was revoked on August 5, 2019.

Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said the promises made at the time of the abrogation—that it would usher in development, peace, and normalcy in the region—have not been fulfilled. “It has been six full years since Jammu and Kashmir was devastated. Article 370 was scrapped and the state's identity and autonomy were taken away with grand promises of prosperity and stability. But today, it’s clear that those assurances have not materialized,” she remarked.

Mufti expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the region, warning that Jammu and Kashmir has now become a flashpoint in the ongoing geopolitical dynamics. “The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that two countries are now on the brink of war. Jammu and Kashmir stands as the epicenter of this crisis,” she said, without directly naming the countries involved.

The PDP chief also highlighted the prevailing atmosphere of fear and unease among residents, questioning the official narrative of normalcy and progress. “Instead of peace, the people of J&K are living under constant surveillance and restrictions. The democratic space has shrunk, and dissent is being stifled,” she added.