Mehbooba says pre-August 5 position will have to be returned with interest

She terms August 5, 2019 a day when identity of J&K was ‘snatched illegally’

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday hardened her position on restoration of special status of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the pre-August 5 position of J&K would have to be restored along with interest one day. “When India can achieve freedom from the British after 70 years, when the BJP can snatch J&K’s special status after 70 years, why can’t we keep fighting for our rights. People of J&K want to live with India and will continue to raise their voice and seek the restoration of special status,” she said on the occasion of 22nd foundation day of the PDP at its headquarters in Srinagar. Ms. Mufti termed August 5, 2019 a day when the identity of J&K was “snatched illegally”. “Whatever was snatched from people on August 5 will have to be returned with interest. It was a decision taken to gain votes and J&K was made a scapegoat. It is unfortunate that the only Muslim-majority State of India was split by an individual party,” she stated.