Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, October 30: Cabinet Minister and senior National Conference (NC) leader Sakina Itoo on Wednesday addressed a massive public gathering in Central Kashmir’s Budgam, where she delivered a strong message against the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and reaffirmed NC’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s full statehood.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Sakina Itoo said, “The PDP brought the BJP to Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 was our identity — it represented our jobs, our land, and our dignity — but the PDP destroyed all of it. They took away our identity and even our state.”
Continuing her sharp criticism, she added, “Today they talk big, but people should remember that at that time, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter was taken to an Army camp to draw doodles.”
During her address, Sakina Itoo also raised the slogan “Zeoun Ho, Zeoun Ho” (meaning “We won, we won”), echoing the style of Iltija Mufti’s 2024 campaign chants. The slogan quickly caught on among her supporters, symbolizing NC’s renewed energy and public confidence ahead of the coming elections.
Witnesses said the crowd responded with cheers and enthusiasm as the NC leader spoke about rebuilding Jammu and Kashmir’s political and social structure. The atmosphere in Budgam reflected strong grassroots support for the National Conference’s developmental and welfare agenda.
Sakina Itoo emphasized that despite being in power for only one year, the NC government has already taken “major steps to rebuild what was left scattered.” She highlighted several welfare initiatives introduced under the current administration.
She announced that the marriage assistance limit has been raised to ₹75,000, and the requirement of an 8th-class qualification has been removed, allowing more economically disadvantaged girls to benefit.
“The resolution to restore J&K’s statehood has already been passed in the Assembly,” Itoo said, adding, “It is now up to the Central Government to act. With a full five-year mandate, we will deliver every promise made in our manifesto and continue to strengthen healthcare, social welfare, and women’s empowerment across Jammu and Kashmir.”
Political analysts note that Itoo’s remarks and her energetic public appearances in Budgam underline the NC’s effort to re-establish itself as the primary voice of the people, while also marking a rise in vocal and confident women leadership within Kashmir’s political scene.
