Srinagar: Former Hurriyat member Syed Salim Geelani, after joining the People's Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti, praised the party for its stance on the Kashmir issue. Geelani highlighted the PDP’s commitment to democratic and human rights, stating that the party’s approach includes discussing the Kashmir issue at the negotiation table to protect the people.
Geelani remarked, "The People's Democratic Party, we felt, talks about democratic rights, political rights, and human rights. It advocates for our children and emphasizes finding a solution to the Kashmir issue through dialogue. This is our policy—one voice supporting the fundamental protection of people." On Sunday, several leaders and workers joined the PDP at its headquarters in Srinagar, in the presence of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti. Mufti emphasized the party's agenda of reconciliation and dialogue with Hurriyat leaders.
In her address, Mufti stated, "The agenda of the PDP is reconciliation and dialogue. The Hurriyat is not from China or Pakistan. LK Advani spoke to them when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. They are not untouchables. Our goal is to solve the Kashmir issue through dialogue and reconciliation. If the Hurriyat wants to participate in this process, it is appreciated."
Mufti also criticized National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, alleging that the party treats elections as "halal" when in power and "haram" when out of power, attributing this inconsistency to a political convenience initiated by the National Conference.
Polling in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled for three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1, with vote counting set for October 8. This will be the first assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370.
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