Budgam, Sept 29 :
National Conference Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, has dismissed suggestions of ambiguity within his party regarding its stand on statehood and Article 370, asserting that the position is clear and that he has been entrusted to fight for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“There is no confusion. People have trusted me with the responsibility to fight for Article 370 and the state’s rights. I am ready to fight that battle even if I have to fight alone,” Ruhullah told reporters on Monday during his visit to Charar-i-Sharief in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
Ruhullah also spoke about the upcoming Budgam by-election, saying the party would take a final decision on its candidate once the Election Commission announces the poll schedule. “Once the election is announced, we will see. One major responsibility people have given us is to stop the BJP. Acting on that is both a political and moral duty,” he remarked.
He strongly criticised the Centre for what he described as unconstitutional delays in holding Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Citing the example of Nagrota, where more than a year has passed since the seat fell vacant, he said, “Any Assembly seat falling vacant must go to polls within six months. In Nagrota, more than a year has passed and people are still waiting.”
Referring to the 2018 dissolution of the J&K Assembly, Ruhullah alleged that the decision to postpone elections was deliberate. “When the Assembly was dissolved, elections should have been held within six months. That delay was illegal. There was a conspiracy behind it to keep the Assembly out of place,” he alleged.
The Srinagar MP welcomed the recent appointment of observers by the Election Commission for by-elections in states, including Bihar, saying it has renewed hopes in J&K. “We have heard that observers have been appointed. It is hoped the by-elections will be held with Bihar,” he said, pointing towards the Budgam and Nagrota constituencies.
On the situation in Ladakh, Ruhullah said locals there are now realising the consequences of the August 2019 decisions that downgraded and bifurcated the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. “Decisions are taken in Delhi without their consent. Even those who once supported the BJP are now facing UAPA and NSA. The BJP treats anyone who disagrees, even democratically, as an enemy,” he charged.
Expressing solidarity with Ladakhis, he said the National Conference supports their demands. “If they are demanding inclusion in the Sixth Schedule or restoration of their rights, we are with them,” Ruhullah stated, adding that the challenges confronting Ladakh today mirror those already experienced in Kashmir and Jammu.
“What was happening in Kashmir is now happening in Ladakh and Jammu as well,” he said, underlining the NC’s stance that the political and constitutional rights of all regions of the erstwhile state must be restored. (CNS)