Mehbooba Mufti Calls August 5 a ‘Dark Night’, Reiterates Demand for Restoration of Articles 370 and 35A

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday described August 5 as a “dark night” in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating her party’s demand for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Addressing reporters, Mehbooba said the people of Jammu and Kashmir would continue what she described as a peaceful and democratic struggle until their “identity and constitutional rights” are restored.

“August 5 was a dark night for Jammu and Kashmir. We will continue our peaceful struggle until our identity and constitutional rights are restored,” she said.

Renews Demand for Restoration of Constitutional Provisions

The PDP chief repeated her party’s long-standing demand for the restoration of the constitutional provisions that were revoked on 5 August 2019, when the Centre abrogated Article 370 and reorganised the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.

She said the issue concerns the political identity and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Raises Concerns Over Security Measures

Mehbooba Mufti also alleged that following the recent killings of a police constable and two migrant workers, thousands of people were detained by security agencies.

She claimed that the situation created what she described as a “silence of a graveyard”, alleging that there was little public discussion about the detentions.

“There was a silence of a graveyard, and nobody was talking about it,” she said.

Her remarks reflect the PDP’s criticism of the security measures adopted after the recent militant attacks.

Continuing Political Debate

The constitutional changes introduced in August 2019 remain one of the most debated political issues in Jammu and Kashmir.

Regional parties, including the PDP and the National Conference, have consistently demanded the restoration of constitutional safeguards and full statehood.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, maintains that the abrogation of Article 370 has strengthened national integration, improved governance and accelerated development in the region.