National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi called on senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in New Delhi, holding extensive discussions on Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s post-Article 370 situation, statehood restoration, and political prisoners’ release.  According to Kashmir Media Service, the meeting, which lasted over an hour, took place while Mirwaiz was in Delhi.

The two leaders, despite their differing political affiliations, deliberated on the plight of Muslims in India, the ongoing reservation policy dispute, and the broader political landscape in Kashmir after August 5, 2019.  Confirming the meeting, Mirwaiz stated, “Yes, he (Mehdi) visited me. He is in Delhi for the Parliament session, and it was a courtesy call to me as the Mirwaiz.” 

Mehdi, who has been vocal on issues concerning Kashmiri youth and the controversial reservation policy, had previously joined protests against the policy outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while Mirwaiz had also extended his support to the demonstrators. 

Mehdi’s engagement with the Mirwaiz has sparked internal disagreements within the National Conference, with some party members accusing him of playing to the gallery and legitimizing the party’s opponents. However, political observers view the meeting as a significant development amid ongoing uncertainty over IIOK’s political future.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)