Srinagar, Apr 17: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday slammed the Jammu and Kashmir administration for its silence on the Wakf Bill, saying the government failed to stand by the Muslim community. However, she added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir and her party firmly support Muslims across the country on the issue.
Mehbooba said that despite the government’s indifferent stance on the Wakf Bill, “the PDP and the people of Jammu and Kashmir extend full solidarity with Muslims across India who are concerned about the future of Wakf properties.”
Commenting on former RAW chief A.S. Dulat, Mehbooba said it was no secret that he shares close ties with the Abdullah family and the National Conference. “They treat him like a family member,” she claimed.
Referring to revelations made in Dulat’s book, Mehbooba said Farooq Abdullah’s stand on Article 370 had already been exposed. “The book only confirms what many of us have known — that National Conference leaders have been in touch with the BJP behind closed doors since 2014,” she alleged.
Mehbooba also voiced hope that the Supreme Court will rule in favour of Muslims in the Wakf Act case. Drawing a comparison with the execution of Afzal Guru, she said, “There was no concrete evidence against Afzal, yet the court ordered his hanging citing the ‘collective conscience’ of the nation. We now hope that the same collective conscience will guide the court to protect the rights of Muslims in the Wakf matter.” [KNT]
