SRINAGAR, April 17 – Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, senior leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Member of the Legislative Assembly from Pulwama, on Thursday accused the National Conference (NC) of maintaining covert ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), especially during the critical events surrounding the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019.
Addressing party workers during a convention in Srinagar, Para said, “Our alliance with the BJP was open and transparent, and we bore the brunt of public anger for it. However, the NC operated behind the scenes, keeping informal relations with the BJP without acknowledging it publicly.”
He referred to statements made by former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief A.S. Dulat, claiming that Dulat — whom he described as a close associate of NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah — had hinted that Abdullah was prepared to collaborate with the BJP during the August 5 developments. “Dulat is known to be part of Dr. Farooq’s inner circle and often visits his residence when in the Valley,” Para said.
Targeting NC vice president Omar Abdullah, Para alleged that Omar was absent during a crucial Assembly session regarding the Waqf Bill. “While PDP, under Mehbooba Mufti’s direction, was trying to push a resolution, Omar chose to attend events at the Tulip Garden instead,” he remarked.
Drawing comparisons between previous political regimes and the current administration under the Lieutenant Governor, Para stated, “There seems to be no real difference—then too, properties were being seized, and the same continues today.”
Broadening the scope of his remarks, Para called on the people of Kashmir to raise their voices in solidarity with India’s Muslim population. “India has nearly 24 crore Muslims, and their concerns—from mosques to religious institutions like Nizamuddin and Jamia Masjid—must be addressed. The community looks to Kashmir for moral and spiritual leadership,” he said.
Emphasizing the need to protect religious freedoms, he added, “I don’t interfere in the religious practices of others. Likewise, interference in our faith and places of worship should not be tolerated.”
Para concluded by underlining the intent of the gathering—to reaffirm the collective responsibility of safeguarding religious heritage and standing up for the rights of Muslims across the country.
