Omar must honor people’s mandate; ‘Photo-ops & Delhi visits won’t resolve key issues: Para

Srinagar, Nov 19: Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, Senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Member of Legislative Assembly Tuesday after attending a meeting chaired by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti, has criticized the Omar Abdullah-led government, accusing the National Conference (NC) of lacking clarity and failing to address critical political and constitutional issues in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the media, Para said that Omar Abdullah’s rhetoric about statehood was undermined by his avoidance of addressing the core issue of Article 370. He described the NC’s political stance as inconsistent, stating that while the party speaks out on issues like road development, it remains silent on matters of greater importance, such as the special status of the region.

He also emphasized the need for genuine political engagement and warned that “photo-ops, review meetings, and visits to Delhi” were insufficient to resolve the complex problems faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting convened by Mufti focused on pressing issues, including the political vacuum in the region, the status of Article 370, and concerns over demographic changes. Para stressed the importance of normalizing politics in the region without fear, pointing out the absence of any meaningful discussions from the National Conference on these key issues.

Reaffirming PDP’s commitment to holding the NC accountable, Para emphasized that the party would continue to demand fulfillment of promises made to the people, including the resolution of cases against the youth and the advancement of the political process in the region.

“We are not here to confront the government, but we will ensure they deliver on their promises and mandates,” he added. Para clarified that while the PDP was not opposed to the NC, the party expected it to act on the agenda on which it was elected, and raise these critical issues in the proper forums rather than merely making symbolic gestures.