Those opposing Centre put behind bars; assets of country being sold: Mehbooba

SRINAGAR –  Alleging that people, including activists and politicians, who are opposing Centre are being put behind bars across the country, former J&K chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said the Modi-led government is selling the assets that were created by successive regimes over seven decades.

Ms Mehbooba, who is the president of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said that despite several leaders leaving her party, the ground workers are still associated with her.

“The people of J&K should not feel disheartened… the assets that were created by successive regimes at the centre, particularly Congress governments, are being sold. The BJP-led central government is selling roads, airports, railway stations, power projects… So what can we expect from them (centre),” Ms Mehbooba told reporters after addressing PDP workers in south Kashmir district of Shopian.

“Anyone — including politicians, students or activists – who speaks against the government is put behind bars,” she said while replying to a question about possible action against the Hurriyat Conference.

The former chief minister said J&K acceded to India due to the secular nature of the country that was created by the Congress. “The Congress party may have some mistakes. But, we have to accept the fact that J&K acceded to the India of Jawahar Lal Nehru, Gandhi and Indira Gandhi… the country which endorsed secularism and brotherhood. Congress played a big role in the accession of J&K to India,” she said.

Ms Mehbooba said J&K would not have acceded to India had there been no secular culture in India, which is being eroded.

Lauding her party workers, she said PDP workers have stood with the party during these difficult times. “Despite the fact that several leaders left, the workers have stood their ground and supported the party due to the agenda of PDP patron late Mufti Mohammad Syed,” she said.

The PDP president said that she informed the Prime Minister, during the all party meeting in New Delhi, that if the suppression in Kashmir valley doesn’t stop, it will have serious consequences.