Srinagar: National Conference (NC) MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi met Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Delhi on Wednesday, discussing various issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir and the Muslim community, PTI reported quoting sources.
Mirwaiz has been in Delhi since his meeting with the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Wakf Bill on January 24.
During their hour-long conversation, the two leaders— despite their differing political ideologies— deliberated on topics such as the situation in Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation, restoration of statehood, and the release of political prisoners.
According to sources, they also addressed the Wakf amendment bill, the condition of Muslims in India, and other pressing concerns. Confirming the meeting, Mirwaiz stated that Mehdi met him in his capacity as the chief preacher. “He was in Delhi for the parliamentary session and paid me a courtesy visit,” he said.
The discussion also touched upon youth-related issues in J&K and the ongoing debate over the reservation policy. Mehdi had earlier protested against the reservation policy outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence, while Mirwaiz had extended his support to the demonstration.
Mehdi’s actions have sparked criticism within his own party, with some colleagues accusing him of political theatrics and giving space to NC’s rivals. Earlier this month, Abdullah acknowledged Mehdi’s right to protest but suggested he should also lead a demonstration in Delhi for statehood restoration.
In a recent development, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary and advisor Nasir Aslam Wani visited Mehdi at his Budgam residence, a move seen as an effort to pacify the discontented leader.
