Srinagar, Aug 15: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday called on the BJP-led government at the Centre to reflect on whether India truly embodies the principles outlined in the Constitution.

“The BJP government at the Centre should think if, after 80 years, we have realised the dream of India as envisioned in the Constitution,” Mehbooba told reporters after attending the Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium here.

Her comments came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request for all political parties to support the implementation of women’s reservation in Parliament and state assemblies without turning it into a political battle.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister emphasised that a women’s reservation bill was already passed by Parliament in 2023, stating, “The (women’s) reservation bill has been passed; it simply needs to be implemented.”

Mehbooba added that the country’s founding fathers envisioned an India where individuals have the freedom to choose their attire and food.

“The Constitution given by B R Ambedkar in consultation with Congress leaders of the time envisions no discrimination based on caste, creed or colour. It also provides for justice for all,” she said.

Srinagar, Aug 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said his government is committed to restoring the statehood and other constitutional guarantees to Jammu and Kashmir, which were revoked in August 2019.

“Our government is committed to restoring statehood and constitutional guarantees, and put Jammu and Kashmir on the path of development. We will work to fulfil these goals,” Abdullah said in his Independence Day speech here.

Referring to the protests in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), the chief minister said the situation has vindicated the National Conference founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and his colleagues’ decision to fight the Pakistan-backed tribal invaders in 1947.

“When I see the situation across the border, I realise that our ancestors who said ‘hamlavar khabardar, hum Kashmiri hain tayyar’ (attackers beware, we Kashmiris are prepared) were right,” he said.

Master Abdul Aziz, the NC leader, was killed in Muzaffarabad for trying to stop the attack, he said.

Abdullah said the people in PoJK would have been fighting to join Jammu and Kashmir if the Centre had not revoked the special constitutional guarantees in 2019.

“We have kept seats vacant for the other side in the hope that some day these will be filled,” he added.

Srinagar, Aug 14: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said Independence Day is an occasion to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democracy, secularism, constitutional values and federalism as he sought restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, Abdullah extended warm greetings to the people of India, particularly the people of Jammu and Kashmir, on the eve of 80th Independence Day.

He said it is an occasion to remember the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democracy, secularism, constitutional values and federalism.

The three-time chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir said the day should inspire collective resolve to strengthen these foundational principles and deepen democratic institutions.

Emphasising the importance of a strong federal structure, Abdullah said India’s strength and resilience lies in its diversity, plurality and the constitutional balance between the Union and the states.

He stressed that empowering states, safeguarding their constitutional space and strengthening their institutions were essential to preserving the spirit of cooperative federalism.

“When the states are strong, the country is strong. In the same spirit the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir must be restored without any further delay. This would not only honour the democratic aspirations and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir but would also reinforce the federal character of the Indian Union,” he said.

The NC chief said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had participated enthusiastically in the democratic process two years ago and exercised their franchise to elect a popular government.

However, he said, the elected government continues to function without the full constitutional and administrative powers ordinarily available to a state government.

“The essence of democracy is that people’s mandate must translate into meaningful authority. Independence Day provides an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in democracy, federalism and the people’s right to govern themselves through their elected representatives.

“The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is therefore both a democratic imperative and an important step towards strengthening public confidence in India’s federal structure,” he added.

Meanwhile, the statement said, Abdullah paid obeisance at the historic Hazratbal Shrine and offered Friday prayers there.

He prayed for lasting peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir, the progress and well-being of the Muslim Ummah, the welfare and prosperity of humanity, and peace, justice and relief for the Palestinian people, it said.

He also appealed to the faithful to offer special prayers for the welfare of the Muslim Ummah and for an end to the “suffering and hardships being faced by the Palestinian people”.

Security Headquarters, J&K, has granted in-situ promotion to 1,028 police personnel of different ranks, recognising their dedicated service and commitment to duty.

The promotion process was conducted under the chairmanship of IGP Security J&K Sujit Kumar, IPS. The cases of eligible officials were examined as per prescribed rules and eligibility criteria, following which 1,028 personnel were found fit and promoted to their respective higher ranks.

Congratulating the promoted personnel and their families, Kumar appreciated their hard work, discipline, professionalism and dedication.

He said the promotions bring greater responsibility and higher professional expectations, urging the personnel to continue serving with dedication, integrity and discipline.

The IGP reiterated that the welfare and professional growth of police personnel remain priorities of Security Headquarters. He expressed confidence that the promoted officials would contribute effectively to strengthening the security apparatus and maintaining operational preparedness.

Security Headquarters extended its congratulations and best wishes to all 1,028 personnel for their future assignments and responsibilities.