Kashmir Pen News Desk
Srinagar, Jan 3: Senior National Conference (NC) leader Salman Ali Sagar on Saturday held the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) responsible for the prevailing political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that political disempowerment, house arrests and the erosion of democratic institutions were direct consequences of the PDP–BJP alliance formed in 2014.
Speaking to reporters, Sagar said the decisions taken by the PDP leadership during its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party pushed Jammu and Kashmir into a prolonged phase of political instability. He alleged that although the PDP secured temporary political relief through the Budgam by-election, the seat was “manipulated,” allowing the party to survive briefly amid growing public discontent.
He said the current political scenario in the region was the outcome of those past decisions and asserted that several unresolved issues continue to demand both political and administrative intervention. Clarifying his party’s position, Sagar said the National Conference does not claim that all problems have been resolved, but maintained that certain areas, including electricity supply, have witnessed improvement compared to previous years.
Responding to allegations of a political understanding between the NC and the BJP, Sagar categorically denied any “match-fixing,” stating that such claims were baseless. He said differing viewpoints within the National Conference, including statements made by MP Aga Ruhullah, reflect the party’s internal democratic ethos, where leaders are free to express their opinions. He added that the BJP often makes opportunistic statements for its own political survival.
On the issue of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Sagar, according to news agency Kashmir News Trust, said the Mirwaiz is the chief religious priest of Kashmir and must be respected as a religious leader, regardless of ideological differences. He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has consistently condemned the house arrest of the Mirwaiz and stressed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right that must be upheld.
Sagar said the Mirwaiz family has made immense sacrifices over the decades and asserted that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should not be subjected to personal criticism or targeted attacks. He emphasized the need for dialogue and stated that personal character assassination of political and religious leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah, must come to an end | Kashmir Pen
