Srinagar: Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, a prominent figure in the National Conference and Member of Indian Parliament from Srinagar, has accused the BJP-led government of deliberately disempowering the people of Kashmir. In a recent interview, Ruhullah suggested that the central government has no plans to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the near future.

Speaking to an Indian television channel, Ruhullah argued that democratic institutions are being eroded under the current administration. He pointed to the amended Waqf Law as part of a larger agenda to marginalize Muslim communities. According to Ruhullah, this law exemplifies the broader BJP-RSS strategy aimed at weakening the Muslim population, not only in Kashmir but across India.

Ruhullah expressed his belief that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood remains a distant prospect. He emphasized the need for a determined struggle to regain the rights that have been taken from the people of the region. He criticized the amended Waqf Law as a violation of religious freedoms, highlighting the absence of similar legislation for Hindu institutions as evidence of its discriminatory nature.

The NC leader also voiced concerns about the direction his own party, the National Conference, is taking. He noted a growing disconnect between party leadership and the public’s mandate. Ruhullah revealed that his communication with party leader Omar Abdullah has been minimal, aside from exchanging holiday greetings. He observed that Abdullah’s efforts to improve relations with the Indian government have not yielded positive results.

Additionally, Ruhullah criticized Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for undermining local government authority. He accused the Lieutenant Governor of diminishing the legitimacy of the local administration and called on the Chief Minister to take a firm stand. Ruhullah concluded by highlighting the lack of progress in the restoration of statehood, despite the Omar Abdullah-led government’s ongoing efforts.