Srinagar: People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday said that the Centre should talk to Pakistan to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking to reporters during the protest march against the Centre's decision of abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A, Mufti said, "When the centre has already talked to Pakistan to ensure implementation of the ceasefire agreement, why can’t we have a dialogue with the same country to get the Kashmir issue resolved."
She further said that Jammu and Kashmir should become a bridge of peace between India and Pakistan. “This day when BJP is celebrating abrogation of J&K's special status, people of Kashmir are mourning. In 2019, our rights were snatched by the BJP-led government and we will continue to fight till those rights are restored," she said.
She alleged that the administration is trying to show normalcy in the region.
Also read: Govt actions of August 5, 2019 only complicated J&K dispute further: Hurriyat
“Shopkeepers are being threatened of termination of their lease deeds in case they don’t open up shops. The auto drivers were asked to ply on the roads,” she said, adding, "arrest spree continues in Kashmir which speaks volumes."
Meanwhile, the police didn't let the Mehbooba-led protest to reach the main road of the city. Despite the police action, the party leaders and workers were able to chant slogans against the abrogation of J&K's special status.
The party also tried to hold a protest rally outside its party headquarters in Jammu but were stopped by police. The party's media in-charge Pervez Wafa was leading the protest.
The protesters tried to advance towards the National Highway from the party headquarters at Jammu's Gandhinagar but were stopped by security forces stationed there. Protesters were chanting slogans.
It may be recalled that after the repeal of Sections 370 and 35A, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been divided into two Centrally Administered Territories for a period of two years.
Also read: Gupkar Alliance meets on 2nd anniversary of Art 370 abrogation
While the BJP is celebrating this day today, various political parties including the Panthers Party, PDP, People's Conference and National Conference are interpreting this day as a dark chapter in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
The PDP says August 5 will forever be remembered as a day of darkness and deprivation.
