Pulwama, Nov 21: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Friday said he has not held any discussions with any MLA or political figure outside his party, adding that recent claims about such meetings were based on speculation circulating in the media.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Haripari Tral, where he visited the family of a Crime Branch photographer who died in the recent Nowgam police station blast.
Ruhullah said public discourse in Jammu and Kashmir must avoid personal remarks and said political differences should not lead to language that creates divisions.
Without directly naming Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he remarked that political exchanges inside any party should avoid personal tones and that individual egos create unnecessary friction.
He said some junior functionaries in politics have been using expressions and terms commonly associated with the BJP while responding to his statements. According to him, those remarks appear aimed at gaining acceptance from senior leaders rather than responding to issues on merit.
Referring to the 2024 elections, Ruhullah said voters supported the National Conference because they believed the party would speak for them. He said those who now direct criticism at him should reflect on whether they have used similar language while opposing the BJP or when raising concerns on behalf of the public.
Speaking on Article 370, the MP said linking the constitutional change with claims of reducing militancy was a narrative that ignored ground conditions.
He said security incidents continue and argued that the situation disproves the claim that the August 2019 decision addressed militancy.
Ruhullah said many communities across the country face discrimination and that people in Jammu and Kashmir felt a degree of empowerment under the previous constitutional arrangement, which they now believe has changed.
Ruhullah expressed concern over incidents involving individuals targeting Kashmiris in different parts of the country. He said the government must ensure that people from Jammu and Kashmir living outside the region are not subjected to intimidation.
On the Nowgam police station blast, the MP said the sequence of events must be examined in detail.
He said the investigation must determine the chain of responsibility and whether the blast involved procedural lapses or any other cause. Ruhullah said families affected by the incident should receive compensation and employment support.
