'NC regime responsible for militancy in Kashmir'

In a scathing attack, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of using 'draconian methods which have proved counter productive leading to increased alienation of the people.'

Addressing a meeting of the party workers, Mehbooba said, "Due to its oppressive policies, this regime has shattered peoples' faith in the democracy."

The PDP president pointed out that 'during the last two years a large number of innocent people have lost their lives due to the repressive policies being adopted by this regime to oppress aspirations of the common masses'.

She regretted that 'uninterrupted use of draconian methods used by the government to stifle genuine voice of the masses has proved counter productive as alienation among the people has been increasing with every passing day'.

Taking a dig at government for not fulfilling its commitment to stop atrocities and release political prisoners, she said, "The government's statements don't match with its actions and it is every much evident from the fact that despite directions from the court, political prisoners have been rearrested on fake charges."

She said 'while the government itself had set an agenda of reviewing the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), reduction of troops and release of prisoners only the reverse of these objectives was being followed.

"Many people have run away from their homes fearing arrest, torture and extortion," she said and observed "it seems arrests have been turned into an industry for police and  the political brokers to benefit from", Mehbooba said.

Blaming successive National Conference (NC) regimes for eruption of militancy in the state, the PDP president said that "gun culture erupted in the year 1989, just two years after formation of NC regime in the state which was formed due to the infamous rigged elections of 1987."

Similar situation has emerged in Kashmir Valley these days as this government has been pushing the youth toward wall due to its oppressive policies'.