Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes National Conference's Protest Plans Over Statehood Demand
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has voiced her disapproval of the National Conference's upcoming protest demanding statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. She argues that such demonstrations should focus on addressing fundamental issues rather than merely restoring statehood. In a letter to Farooq Abdullah, she called for a multi-party meeting to discuss the release of political prisoners and the lifting of bans on socio-political organizations. Mufti warns that limiting aspirations to statehood alone undermines the significance of Article 370 and risks legitimizing the controversial changes made on August 5, 2019. The National Conference plans to protest on July 20, but some members express concerns over the focus of the demands.
Jul 18, 2026, 15:45 IST
Mufti's Stance on Protests
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed that it would be inappropriate for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to participate in protests solely aimed at demanding statehood. Consequently, she declined an invitation from the National Conference to join a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Mufti emphasized that a genuine and meaningful political process can only commence once fundamental issues are addressed.
Call for a Multi-Party Meeting
Highlighting Article 370 as a central issue, Mufti urged National Conference President Farooq Abdullah in a letter to convene a multi-party meeting. She suggested that the initial step should involve the release of political prisoners and the lifting of bans on socio-political organizations, including Jamaat-e-Islami. In her correspondence, Mufti stated that limiting the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to merely restoring statehood would be a grave injustice and a betrayal.
Concerns Over Statehood Demand
Mufti warned that uniting solely to restore statehood could be interpreted as justifying the illegal revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. She described this as a direct endorsement of one of the darkest days in their collective history—August 5. Furthermore, she criticized the demand for statehood without addressing special status as a superficial gesture, reiterating that it merely echoes the BJP's detrimental narrative against Article 370 and risks overshadowing the unconstitutional actions taken on August 5, 2019.
National Conference's Planned Protest
The National Conference is set to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20, the first day of the parliamentary monsoon session, demanding the restoration of statehood. All legislators and MPs from the National Conference are expected to participate. However, NC MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi mentioned that he has not received an invitation and will not partake in any protest that demands less than the restoration of Article 370. Mufti accused the National Conference of downplaying the constitutional changes made on August 5, 2019, which she considers an emotional issue for Jammu and Kashmir.
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