New Delhi: National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi met with senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in New Delhi, engaging in detailed discussions about the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) following the abrogation of Article 370, the potential restoration of statehood, and the release of political prisoners.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the meeting, which lasted over an hour, happened while Mirwaiz was visiting the capital. The leaders, despite different political backgrounds, exchanged views on the conditions of Muslims in India, the ongoing debate over reservation policies, and the political scenario in Kashmir post-August 5, 2019.

Confirming the meeting, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq remarked, “Yes, he (Mehdi) visited me. He is in Delhi for the Parliament session, and it was a courtesy call to me as the Mirwaiz.”

Mehdi has been an outspoken critic on issues affecting Kashmiri youth and the controversial reservation policy. He had previously participated in protests against the policy outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with Mirwaiz supporting the demonstrators.

The meeting between Mehdi and Mirwaiz has stirred internal discord within the National Conference. Some party members accuse Mehdi of pandering to the opposition and giving legitimacy to the party’s adversaries. Nonetheless, political analysts consider the meeting a noteworthy event amid ongoing uncertainties regarding the political future of IIOJK.