In a significant political statement, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has made serious allegations against the Central government's approach toward Jammu and Kashmir. The former chief minister claimed that the Centre's Kashmir policy has backfired so severely that it has compromised security in the national capital itself.
Allegations of Policy Failure
Mufti delivered her sharp critique during a recent public address, asserting that Kashmiris had historically aligned themselves with India, but the government's handling of the region since 2019 has created more problems than solutions. She emphasized that the current approach has effectively shut all doors for meaningful dialogue with stakeholders in the valley.
The PDP leader specifically referenced the post-2019 period, alluding to the constitutional changes that revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status. According to Mufti, rather than bringing stability and integration, these measures have pushed the region into deeper distress and alienation from the mainstream.
Security Implications for Delhi
In one of her most striking claims, Mufti suggested that the repercussions of the failed Kashmir policy have extended beyond the union territory's borders. She directly linked what she described as policy failures in Kashmir to increased security concerns in Delhi, though she didn't elaborate on specific incidents or mechanisms connecting the two.
This connection between regional policy and national capital security represents a significant escalation in the political discourse surrounding the government's approach to Jammu and Kashmir. The allegation implies that mishandling of the sensitive region has created security vulnerabilities that affect the heart of the nation.
Broader Political Context
Mufti's comments come amid ongoing political realignments in Jammu and Kashmir, where mainstream political parties have been navigating the changed political landscape following the abrogation of Article 370. The PDP has positioned itself as a critical voice against the current administration's policies.
The former chief minister's statement reflects the growing frustration among mainstream political parties in the region who feel marginalized in the current political setup. Her remarks suggest that the space for political dialogue has significantly narrowed since 2019, creating what she characterizes as a dangerous vacuum.
Political observers note that Mufti's comments represent one of the most direct linkages made between Kashmir policy and national security implications for Delhi. The statement is likely to intensify debates about the effectiveness of the current approach and its broader consequences for national security.
