Mehbooba Mufti refuses to hoist the tricolour

Addressing media persons in her first such interaction after being released from a 14-month detention, Mehbooba Mufti attacked the Narendra Modi government for abrogation of Article 370 and declared that 'she will only hoist the tricolour if the flag of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is reinstated'  

Former J&K Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has triggered a massive controversy with her remark that she will only hoist the tricolor if the flag of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is reinstated.

Addressing media persons in her first such interaction after being released from a 14-month detention, Mehbooba Mufti attacked the Narendra Modi government for abrogation of Article 370 and declared that 'she will only hoist the tricolour if the flag of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir is reinstated'

Stating that J&K came into international view like never before after abrogation of Article 370, she said: "It's a fact that China captured 1000 sq km of our land. I think we somehow managed to get back around 40 km. China speaks of Article 370 too. They say it's disputed & ask why was J&K made UT?"

Mehbooba Mufti said the Constitution she believed in has been desecrated.

She also slammed Prime Minister Modi for invoking Article 370 during a poll rally in Bihar, saying: "They have nothing to show to ask for votes. They say you can buy land in J&K, we have abrogated Article 370. Then they said they will give free vaccines. Today, PM Modi had to speak of Article 370 for votes. This government has failed to solve the issues of this nation."

Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Mehbooba Mufti said, "The robber has to eventually return what he robs. I assure my people that is what will happen."

Mehboba was released 10 days back after being in detention since August 5 last year following the abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state. 

On Thursday, she held her first party meeting in Srinagar at the Fairveiw Guest House, was attended by top PDP leaders including former ministers and legislators.