Naveed ul Haq
Budgam, Nov 14: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti on Friday expressed gratitude to the voters in Budgam, terming the triumph of the party candidate, Aga Muntazir Mehdi a strong endorsement of the party’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir.
While talking with reporters in Budgam, Mehbooba said that she had come personally to thank the people and the Congress unit in Budgam for their support.
“The people of Budgam sidelined the government and its 50 MLAs and decided to give a chance to the PDP. Congress extended full support to us and to Aga Muntazir Sahib. I pray to Allah to give us the strength to serve the people of Budgam and fulfil the trust they have placed in Muntazir Mehdi Sahib,” she said.
She expressed confidence in the newly elected representative, describing him as educated, accessible and dedicated. “Aga Muntazir Mehdi is an educated man. His doors will always be open for the people of Budgam and he will serve them with full honesty and commitment,” she added.
Calling it a day of joy for the party, Mehbooba, however, said the celebrations were overshadowed by the recent Red Fort car blast in Delhi, in which several people lost their lives.
She said the entire nation was mourning and large-scale raids were being conducted, particularly in Kashmir, creating fear among residents. “We are not against action being taken against those involved in the blast. But targeting their friends, relatives, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters is unacceptable. Blowing up the residence of the accused, where his elderly parents live, who have no connection with the case, is against the law,” she said.
Mehbooba stressed that while strict action is necessary, it must follow due legal process. “Amit Shah had said the law will take its own course. We also want strict action but it must be according to the law. Creating fear and carrying out crackdowns on innocent families is unjust and should not happen,” she said.
She added that many families across the Valley were in panic due to the ongoing raids, urging authorities to ensure that investigations do not violate constitutional rights. (KNO)
