Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Apr 7: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today slammed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah for “failing to oppose” the Waqf Amendment Bill, accusing them of instead appearing alongside Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar.
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Addressing a press conference, Mufti expressed deep disappointment that the NC leaders joined “Rijiju— the very person who brought the regressive Waqf Amendment Bill”—instead of opposing it in the Assembly or passing a resolution against it.
Mufti criticized the NC leadership for failing to stand up against the Bill despite Jammu and Kashmir being a Muslim-majority UT. She said people had expectations from leaders like Farooq Abdullah to strongly oppose the bill, move the Supreme Court, and pass a resolution in the Assembly. “But instead of doing that, Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah were seen roaming with Kiren Rijiju in the Tulip Garden, the very Minister who brought this black law. I am ashamed. This has deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims across the country,” Mufti said.
She also criticized the Assembly Speaker for not allowing a discussion on a resolution against the Waqf Bill, calling the decision to term the matter ‘sub-judice’ unjustified.
The PDP president reminded the NC of its past stand against the BJP’s ideology and warned that the BJP would never accept leaders who fail to stand up for their own people. “The BJP respects those who protect their people, even if they disagree politically. But by refusing to defend their own people, the NC, has insulted them,” she said.
The PDP Chief drew parallels with the past, recalling how Kashmiris had protested during Operation Blue Star in solidarity with Sikhs, and expressed regret that similar courage was missing today.
She said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who voted for the NC in large numbers, must be feeling betrayed and ashamed over their leaders’ conduct at a time when the Muslim community is facing unprecedented challenges.
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