PDP and NC Reject Union Territory Status on UT Foundation Day

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference (NC) opposed Union Territory status on Jammu & Kashmir's UT Foundation Day. Mehbooba Mufti highlighted PDP's stance by observing the day as black, while NC leaders reiterated demands for restoring statehood. LG Manoj Sinha defended the celebration amidst political tensions.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti reiterated her party's commitment to observing the Union Territory Foundation Day as a black day until Jammu and Kashmir's special powers are restored. Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Mufti expressed that for her party, the day signifies a protest against the current status.

Mufti criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) handling of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging it has become a testing ground for their policies, meant to send a signal to minorities nationwide. Her remarks came as Jammu & Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha questioned the absence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other National Conference leaders from the UT Foundation Day celebrations.

Sinha emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir's current Union Territory status is an accepted reality, recalling Prime Minister Modi's assurances of future statehood post assembly elections. Meanwhile, National Conference leaders, staunchly opposing UT Day, maintain demands for full statehood, asserting the constitutional rights taken from people in 2019. These developments coincide with LG Sinha's review of security and development before the occasion.

(With inputs from agencies.)