Resolution brought by govt half-hearted, not explicitly opposes 2019 decision: Mehbooba

PDP considering making amendments to resolution, discussion being made within party

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that the resolution brought today by the Jammu and Kashmir government in assembly is only half-hearted. It does not explicitly oppose the 2019 decision, nor does it call for the restoration of Article 370.
On the third day of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly session, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary moved a resolution seeking the restoration of Article 370, which was passed with a majority vote in the Assembly.
Addressing media hours after the resolution was brought up, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said Wahid Para initiated this. While Omar Saheb has claimed it’s just propaganda for the cameras, today, I feel it’s actually the result of the hard work and dedication shown by PDP.
The Chief Minister saying it’s propaganda, staged for the cameras, reflects the sincerity behind this resolution. Unfortunately, nowhere in the resolution does it explicitly oppose the 2019 decision, nor does it call for the restoration of Article 370. Instead, it vaguely mentions “concerns” and the need for “dialogue.” Dialogue with whom? With the BJP representatives who continue to oppose it?, she asked.
She added that she believed the PDP’s resolution was stronger. The language of today’s government resolution could have been improved, reflecting the PDP's stance to categorically condemn and oppose the 2019 decision and resolve that the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, under Articles 370 and 35A, should be restored to its original position.
Instead of expressing mere “concern” or suggesting a dialogue for national unity, it should stand firmly in support of the unique diversity that made Jammu and Kashmir united with this country back in 1947. She said that this country is known for its unity in diversity, and we have a responsibility to uphold that.
It’s good that they took this step, albeit late, and we supported it. We are also considering proposing amendments to strengthen the resolution. For instance, she said that rather than a vague expression of “concern,” it should firmly resolve the issue that the Government of India must restore the special status.
Mehbooba said, "We don’t want to deceive the people—we want honesty and clarity." If the National Conference and the government have taken a step forward, I welcome it, but it’s PDP’s responsibility to take the next step and introduce amendments to correct the weaknesses in this resolution.
Currently, we are discussing potential amendments within the party. The resolution brought today, in my opinion, is only half-hearted. It lacks the forceful language that was needed. For instance, the resolution doesn’t clarify whether they oppose the 2019 decision or not. Rather than proposing a “dialogue,” it should have demanded restoration outright. Why talk about dialogue when they have stripped us of our dignity and respect?, she said.
Mehbooba said, " I believe, after further consultation within the party, we may bring in amendments to ensure the resolution aligns more closely with the people's wishes and emotions."