Peerzada Umer
Srinagar, Jun 24: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday strongly criticized fresh reports suggesting possible re-elections in Jammu and Kashmir as part of the statehood restoration process, calling it an attempt to further confuse the public and delay the reversal of the August 5, 2019 decision that stripped the region of its special status and divided it into two union territories.
In an exclusive interview, PDP Chief Spokesman Dr. Mehboob Beg expressed deep skepticism over the Centre’s intentions and questioned the legality and precedent of such measures.
“To be honest, this is something which has happened for the first time in the country. There is no precedent, no convention, no procedure,” Dr. Beg said, referring to the unprecedented demotion of a full-fledged state to a union territory.
“Where can you demote a full-fledged state into a union territory? So, how do you go back? Perhaps law has no idea. Because if you go strictly by law, it’s not there,” Dr. Beg observed, stressing the constitutional ambiguity surrounding the issue. “You have done something—something unknown to law was done. So, how do you redo it? Only an expert can say.”
Dr. Beg criticized the government for what he termed as a lack of clear intent and accused it of playing for time. “First, there was a commitment from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister. Elections were not a favour. Here, they also become a favour. First, delimitation, then elections,” he recalled, referencing the Centre’s repeated assurances that delimitation would be followed by elections and then statehood.
He further argued that the delimitation process in Jammu and Kashmir was treated as an exception to the national schedule, raising questions about the Centre’s motives. “Delimitation in 2026, the whole country. Here, it came down to the parliamentary seat. Exception.”
Dr. Beg contended that the recent discussion of re-elections was “aimed to create confusion and buy time so that they don’t do anything.” He accused the government of giving the impression of serious consideration while using technicalities to delay substantive action. “Sorting it out, how long will it take? Nobody knows. This all is unfortunate, you don’t play tricks with your own citizens.”
Furthermore, the PDP spokesperson called on the government to act transparently and honestly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “If you believe, and we believe, that we are the citizens of the country. If they seriously believe, you don’t play tricks with your citizens, do you?”
