Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)In a major political development, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti met with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan today, marking their first official interaction in five years.
The high-profile meeting is being seen as a potential thaw in relations between the former Chief Minister and the present administration. Sources indicate that the closed-door discussion focused on a range of critical issues, including the restoration of democratic processes, public grievances, deteriorating security in some regions, and the status of political detainees.
The meeting comes at a time when regional political parties are pressing for the early conduct of Assembly elections and the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti has been vocal in her criticism of the Centre’s policies post-August 2019, when the region’s special status was revoked.
Speaking briefly to reporters after the meeting, Mufti said, “I raised issues concerning the common people, especially those facing administrative neglect, and urged the LG to ensure accountability and justice in governance.”
The Lieutenant Governor’s office has yet to issue an official statement on the meeting, but sources suggest that the administration is open to dialogue with all stakeholders in the interest of peace and development.
Political observers view the meeting as a significant step towards bridging gaps between the Union Territory administration and regional political leadership, possibly paving the way for broader engagement in the coming months.(DD)