On Saturday, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, a senior leader of the National Conference (NC) and Member of Parliament, asserted that the restoration of Article 370 is only the beginning of the party’s broader goal of restoring autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a news conference at Nawa-e-Subha, Mehdi criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for lacking a concrete roadmap for resolving the Kashmir issue. He said that the NC has a clear plan for achieving the restoration of autonomy in the region.
Mehdi also stressed that the Kashmir issue remains unresolved and requires a comprehensive dialogue between India and Pakistan. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir believe that a permanent resolution needs a proper dialogue,” he stated.
In addition, Mehdi called on the Service Selection Board (SSB) to reconsider the examination centres allocated to candidates. He argued that proximity to examination centres would allow candidates more time to prepare.
He also expressed concern over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recent decision to transfer four district police chiefs and a deputy commissioner while the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in effect. “We question why these transfers are happening with the MCC in place,” Mehdi said.
The NC has requested an explanation from the ECI regarding these transfers, which Mehdi described as an attempt to undermine the level playing field promised to political parties. “It is surprising to see a police officer, who was posted just ten days ago in Baramulla, replaced so quickly, along with three other transfers and one deputy commissioner being moved,” he added.
