Umaisar Gul Ganaie
Kulgam, June 10: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, on Wednesday criticised PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and Waqf Board chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi for their recent visits to AIIMS, questioning the authority under which they conducted meetings and reviews.
Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, Sakina, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the opposition leaders had no official mandate to hold such engagements. “With what authority are they holding meetings? They are neither ministers nor in power. They should understand their position. I see these actions as frustration,” she said.
She remarked that individuals without elected office should not attempt to project authority or conduct reviews.
The minister reiterated that the National Conference (NC) government enjoys the people’s mandate and remains committed to addressing public concerns.
She said the administration, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has been actively working on key issues, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
“Thousands of issues have come before us and many have been resolved. Genuine public demands will be addressed in a phased and timely manner,” she said.
On the statehood issue, Sakina said the government has been pursuing the matter for the past 19 months through dialogue and other means.
She added that the party will intensify its efforts, saying that NC legislators will stage a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on the first day of the monsoon session to press for restoration of statehood and fulfilment of commitments—(KNO)
