MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Monday said people in Ladakh are now experiencing the fallout of the 2019 move that downgraded and split Jammu and Kashmir, adding that decisions affecting the region are taken in Delhi without local consent.
Speaking to reporters, Ruhullah alleged that even former BJP supporters in Ladakh are facing cases under UAPA and NSA for expressing disagreement.
Ruhullah said the National Conference stands with the people of Ladakh in their struggle. “If they are demanding inclusion in the Sixth Schedule or restoration of their rights, we are with them,” he added.
He said the challenges being faced in Ladakh are similar to those in Kashmir and Jammu. “What was happening in Kashmir is now happening in Ladakh and Jammu as well,” he said
On the Budgam bypoll, he said the party will decide its candidate once the Election Commission announces the schedule. “Once the election is announced, we will see. One major responsibility people have given us is to stop the BJP. Acting on that is both a political and moral duty,” he added.
Ruhullah criticised the Centre for delaying uydespite constitutional obligations. He said that any Assembly seat falling vacant must go to polls within six months. “In Nagrota, more than a year has passed and people are still waiting,” he said.
Referring to the 2018 dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, he alleged, “When the Assembly was dissolved, elections should have been held within six months. That delay was illegal. There was a conspiracy behind it to keep the Assembly out of place.”
He welcomed the recent appointment of observers by the Election Commission for by-elections alongside Bihar polls, saying it has raised hopes that Budgam and Nagrota may finally go to vote. “We have heard that observers have been appointed. It is hoped the by-elections will be held with Bihar,” he said.
