Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 7 : People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said the "targeting and dismantling" of her party has continued since 2019, asserting that the PDP remains committed to the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.
Addressing a party convention at the PDP office in Srinagar, Mehbooba said the party was the only political outfit that had consistently protested against the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
"The PDP is the only party that protested for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, alongside advocating for a resolution to the Kashmir issue; we protested both day and night," she said.
Mehbooba's remarks came a day after an FIR was registered against her and her daughter, PDP leader Iltija Mufti, in connection with a protest over the abrogation of Article 370.
"This targeting of us is nothing new; since 2019, our party has been fragmented. Several splinter groups were formed from it, and their leaders advocated for the abrogation of Article 370, both within the country and here in Jammu and Kashmir. That process of targeting and dismantling the PDP has not stopped; it is still ongoing," she said.
Referring to the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba said the issue was not merely a conflict between National Conference leader and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the PDP.
"I do not wish to say anything about Omar Sahib, but a very dear associate of yours, Dulat Sahib, who never tires of praising your father, stated in Delhi just two days ago that there is no leader greater than Farooq Sahib," she said.
Taking a dig at the BJP, Mehbooba said the party had made similar claims in 2019 that development would follow the abrogation of Article 370.
"The BJP echoed this exact sentiment in 2019, claiming that development would follow the abrogation of Article 370," she said.
"This is not merely a conflict between Omar Abdullah and the PDP. Take the case of my daughter. She will answer for herself regarding how she was treated," Mehbooba added.
She further asserted that Article 370 continued to hold significance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"I want to tell the BJP: the more you see the with resentment, the more you celebrate August 5th, the fact remains that Article 370 resides in the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," she said.
The remarks came amid a political row over the FIR registered against Mehbooba and Iltija Mufti following a candlelight protest held outside the PDP office on August 4 to mark the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
According to an official release from PDP, Mehbooba had led a peaceful candlelight protest when police restricted her and party workers from proceeding further. Iltija later walked alone towards the main road carrying a placard against the abrogation of Article 370, where she was intercepted and stopped by police personnel.
"During the intervention, she was allegedly manhandled by a woman IPS officer of SP rank, along with other police personnel and her own PSO. The officer allegedly instructed the male PSO to use force against her, following which she was dragged by male police personnel," a release further read.
The PDP further alleged that the woman officer allegedly assaulted the PDP leader and used excessive force while preventing her peaceful protest.
The party said it had eyewitnesses and would place the matter before a court.
"Such actions by responsible police officers are illegal, disproportionate, and wholly uncalled for. We strongly condemn the conduct of the police personnel involved and demand appropriate action against those responsible for allegedly manhandling a political leader during a peaceful protest," it added.
Earlier in the day, Iltija left the PDP office to appear before Police Station Kothibagh for questioning by police. A large number of PDP workers accompanied her, but police intercepted the procession midway. Iltija was subsequently escorted in her vehicle to the police station, while the accompanying workers were stopped from proceeding further.
On August 5, 2019, the Centre revoked Articles 370 and 35A, ending the special status granted to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The state was also reorganised into two Union Territories--Jammu and Kashmir, with a legislature, and Ladakh, without one.