In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party chief, Mehbooba Mufti, has urged the leaders of Ladakh region to stand with the people of Kashmir Valley and Jammu for a collective struggle to safeguard their unique identities and interests.
She was reacting to reports that Ladakhi leaders had unanimously opted out of the high-powered committee formed by the Indian Home Ministry to address their demands, which include restoration of the special status of IIOJK and granting statehood to Ladakh.
“Urge my Ladakhi brothers & sisters to stand with us in our collective fight & struggle for safeguarding our unique identity & interests. For the past three years, a vicious propaganda has been unleashed to create fissures between J&K & Ladakh,” she said. The PDP chief expressed relief that people of Ladakh finally realised that their interests and identity can be saved only if they unite with the people of Kashmir Valley and Jammu.
“It’s time we recognise that our struggle will reap dividends only if we stand united,” she said. Mehbooba Mufti said the decision of Ladakhi leaders to stay away from the panel did not augur well for India as it went against the claim that scrapping special status of IIOJK was acceptable to people of the territory.
This certainly doesn’t bode well for the Indian government especially amidst a border standoff with China and also demolishes their lies that 5th August was beneficial or acceptable for people of IIOJK including Ladakh, she added.—KMS
