On Accession Day, Mehbooba reminds center of promises and says “trust broken”
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti. File | Photo credit: ANI
Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, while celebrating October 26 as Accession Day on Monday (October 26, 2026), said J&K’s accession to India “came with guarantees, not a blank check for their violation”. Meanwhile, the BJP also celebrated the day with fanfare.
26 October was introduced as an official holiday in J&K during the Central Government in 2020, immediately after the repeal of Article 370 in 2019.
“J&K’s accession to India was based on confidence in Mahatma Gandhi’s secular leadership and assurances that they would protect their distinct identity, land, jobs and mixed culture. Guarantees under Articles 370 and 35A remain important to protect the interests of the region,” Ms Mufti said, holding a copy of the 1947 instrument of accession that limited the role of foreign affairs and external affairs in India. Currency.
On the abrogation of Article 370, Ms. Mufti said, “This move has weakened the constitutional guarantees and political rights of the people of J&K. Restrictions on protests and freedom of speech should not be mistaken for acceptance of the prevailing situation. The BJP is mistaking this silence for acceptance and assumes that the situation has become normal. But it is not normal, it is fear,” said Ms.
She said J&K had allied with India with trust and under certain conditions, “but those promises have been broken. Instead of winning the hearts of the people, the government is using laws and force to control J&K.”
She said that even after 80 years, J&K continued to face difficulties. “The region has remained heavily militarized. Kashmir is witnessing passport restrictions, police summoning of ex-militants and frequent security checks. Instead of dialogue, investigative agencies, security forces and restrictions have been used,” Ms Mufti said.
Meanwhile, in Srinagar, the BJP celebrated the 79th anniversary of joining the Union of India by distributing sweets. “It is a historic day that we are celebrating. The Maharaja was a great visionary as he felt that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would have a secure future in the Indian Union,” BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said.
He also praised Maharaja Doga for “rejecting the two-nation theory and siding with India”.
BJP Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore paid tributes to late Brigadier General Rajinder Singh at the Accession Day celebrations held in Jammu. “Mr Rajinder made the supreme sacrifice in defeating Pakistani aggression which resulted in the integration of J&K with India,” said Mr Kishore.
Published – 27 Oct 2026 04:50 IST