If scrapping Article 370 has resolved everything, what are 9 lakh troops in Valley: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti Sunday today questioned GOI if revocation of Article 370 has resolved everything, why nine lakh troops are still in Valley and not on borders.

She accused BJP of “murdering the democracy” in the name of District Development Council (DDC) polls and said candidates were confined to their homes while others enjoy full freedom.

“Whosoever tries to raise voice against BJP’s excesses is called as anti-national and booked under UAPA. There seems to be no place for real democracy in BJP’s India,” Mehbooba said while addressing a presser at her Gupkar residence.

PDP Chief Mehbooba said whenever BJP minister vist Kashmir, they speak about revocation of Article 370 and claim it has been hurried.

“So, if all issues have been resolved, why nine lakh troops are still in Kashmir. All the forces should have been on borders,” she said.
Regarding a question about the good number of voting in the phase one of the DDC polls, she said: “Highest poll percentage have no bearing on the Kashmir issue. Elections were held in past as well. Kashmir is an issue which needs to be resolved.”

She accused BJP of managing election affairs at their own will. “They dub Muslims as Pakistanis, Sikh’s as Khalistanis, students as anti-national, women protests anti-national. I want to ask them if everyone is anti-national and is being slapped for raising voice against the suppression, who is Hindustani then, is it BJP only? ,” she asked.

On a question about Roshni “Scam”, she said “it’s not a scam but was a scheme for poor. If BJP is serious about the land grab issue, it should go after big fish, not the poor people who don’t even 5 marlas of land . Notices are being sent to the poor, once such notice is with me,” she said.

Taking a dig at BJP for SMC elections, she said,” if Model Code of Conduct is in place, how come SMC Mayoral elections were held. They are themselves murdering democracy. This is real dictatorship.”(KNS)