Srinagar, 4 August (H.S.): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today said that the new Government has failed to bring any change on the ground and people continue to live in fear, six years after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

Speaking to reporters at the PDP headquarters in Srinagar, Mufti said, “August 5 marks six years of devastation in Jammu and Kashmir. People had hopes from the new Government, but unfortunately, nothing has changed. The same arrests, the same harassment, and the same atmosphere of fear continue.”

She made these remarks shortly after welcoming senior NC leader and three-time former MLA from the Karnah constituency, Kafil-ur-Rehman, into the PDP. Rehman, who was earlier associated with the National Conference, formally joined the PDP in the presence of Mehbooba Mufti at the party office.

Continuing her criticism, the PDP Chief said the situation in the Valley has only worsened since the special status was revoked. “There is no sense of relief or improvement. People are still living under the shadow of fear,” she said.

Targeting the ruling NC, Mufti accused it of betraying public trust. “When people voted them into power, they believed it was a party that stood for the people. But now they have realized the NC only wants power. It is not pro-people; it is pro-power,” she said.

She also expressed deep concern over the plight of Kashmiri youth, alleging that thousands are imprisoned across different jails in and outside Jammu and Kashmir. “We have been trying through a Supreme Court lawyer to find out the exact number of Kashmiri youths who have been jailed, but no information is being shared with us,” she said.

Criticizing the administration, Mufti said the Government seems more focused on bureaucratic transfers than on addressing core public issues. “Instead of resolving basic problems like sand and gravel availability, environmental protection, and the restoration of local resources, they are busy transferring Patwaris and BDOs,” she said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar