SC’s Pahalgam attack reference shows GoI’s lack of confidence in JK: Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has sharply criticised the Government of India (GoI) following the Supreme Court’s recent reference to the Pahalgam terror attack in the context of the region’s statehood.

Mufti said the GoI’s continued hesitation to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir — despite revoking its special status and reducing it to a Union Territory in 2019 — reflects a “deeper political and psychological deadlock.”

“The Supreme Court’s reference to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in the debate on granting statehood underscores the Centre’s lack of confidence in the region’s stability,” Mufti said in a statement.

“Even after stripping J&K of its autonomy, the Government of India seems reluctant to ease its tight grip on the region.”

She stressed that the core issue in Jammu and Kashmir goes beyond constitutional semantics. “Unless New Delhi engages with the political aspirations of the people and addresses the core issue head-on, it will remain on uncertain footing — regardless of the force it deploys.”

Calling for a change in policy, the PDP leader urged the government to correct its “past missteps” and launch a “sincere process of dialogue and reconciliation” aimed at bringing lasting peace and restoring the dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court said that the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir must be taken into account while considering the restoration of its statehood.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, while hearing pleas seeking directions to restore the statehood of the Union Territory, observed that recent incidents such as what happened in Pahalgam could not be ignored.

“You cannot ignore what happened in Pahalgam,” the CJI remarked.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the GoI, reiterated that the government had assured restoration of statehood after elections but said there was a peculiar situation in the region. He sought eight weeks’ time to take instructions from the government on the issue.

The matter has been posted for further hearing after the GoI files its response.