Srinagar, July 31: People’s Conference president Sajad Gani Lone on Friday launched a blistering attack on PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of trying to divert attention from her recent remarks and demanding that she issue an “unconditional apology.”
Addressing a press conference, Lone alleged that Mufti was attempting to shift the public discourse by targeting him and his party.
“My request to Mehbooba Mufti is: ‘Yeh kitna bhi drama karein… yeh munh band kar do.’ You have to offer an unconditional apology. This diversion will not work,” he said.
Lone’s remarks came a day after PDP leaders, including Iltija Mufti, Waheed Ur Rehman Parra and Yasir Reshi, accused the People’s Conference of using the names of central investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to intimidate political rivals. The PDP had urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and clarify whether such claims had any official basis.
Referring to Mufti’s recent remarks, Lone said, “She called the children of Kashmir militants and justified pellet guns and firing. This is a diversion.”
Rejecting allegations that People’s Conference leaders were backed by government agencies, Lone said such claims undermined the entire political system in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Only one party in Kashmir keeps saying agencies are breaking it. Elsewhere in India, political parties do not make such claims every day,” he said.
Lone alleged that the PDP viewed every political defection through the prism of agencies because, according to him, “they believe every party is created by agencies.”
He contrasted the People’s Conference with the PDP, saying his party’s support base had remained intact despite political attacks.
“We are a 50-year-old party. Abuse us, call us BJP, our vote has increased, not decreased,” he said, claiming that the PDP’s vote share in north Kashmir had fallen from 36% in 2014 to about 2.5% in 2024.
Calling the PDP a party dependent on individuals rather than an organisation, Lone said, “You are a vote-less party. You are dependent on individuals. When individuals leave, the party collapses.”
Lone also questioned the logic behind accusations that agencies had persuaded politicians to join his party.
“If someone came to me at the behest of agencies, then when they returned to your party, did they not also go back at the behest of agencies?” he asked.
The People’s Conference chief accused Mehbooba Mufti of insulting political workers across Jammu and Kashmir.
“She is abusing our political system. She is abusing our political leaders. Is everybody on sale here?” he said.
Lone further alleged that the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had repeatedly tried to prevent his entry into mainstream politics, recounting episodes from 2009 and 2014 when, he claimed, efforts were made to stop him from contesting elections.
“He always tried to stop me. Despite all the power Mr Mufti used, I am here on my own,” Lone said.
Recalling his family’s experiences, Lone alleged that his father had been subjected to harsh treatment while in detention during Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s tenure as Union home minister.
“My father was put in shackles. Are you the victim or am I?” he asked.
Lone rejected suggestions that he had threatened anyone or acted at the behest of government agencies.
“If there is any proof, bring it before the public. This drama must stop,” he said.
He announced that the People’s Conference would release a “white paper” on the PDP, covering events from the 1983 split in the National Conference, the 1987 elections, and subsequent political developments.
“We will bring a white paper on the PDP. Let them challenge me. If I am wrong, I will apologise,” Lone said.
