The irrelevant coterie of political leaders from the valley, under the umbrella of ‘People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration’, also known as Gupkar Alliance, are now desperately fighting to stay afloat. The alliance until now was viewed as a bunch of regional parties, come together for the sole purpose of peddling pro-Pakistani propaganda. But alas, going beyond this, the alliance has now started embracing Khalistani agenda in a last-ditch effort to survive.
Gupkar Alliance, consisting of Farooq Abdullah led National Conference and Mehbooba Mufti-led People’s Democratic Party, along with other regional leaders of Jammu & Kashmir, has taken it upon itself to fuel the Khalistani agenda.
Mehbooba Mufti said, “Muslims are dubbed as Pakistanis, Sikhs as Khalistanis, activists as urban Naxals, students, including girls, as anti-nationals.”
This statement comes in the backdrop of alleged farmer protests, which are increasingly witnessing Khalistani elements entering the foray. From the videos that have been resurfaced, the protesters can be heard issuing threats to Prime Minister Modi, while reminding the public, the assassination of PM Indira Gandhi, and can also be seen praising Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and hoisting ’Khalistan’ flags in Delhi. In addition to all this, one can also see posters galore of separatist Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale in the protests.
Along with advocating for Pakistan, the Gupkar Alliance have now resorted to playing the Khalistani card, hoping to garner popularity.
Wanting talks with the terrorist country, Mehbooba Mufti said, “There should be a dialogue between the two countries (India and Pakistan). If we are talking to China, which has taken our land, why not with Pakistan? Is it about being a Muslim country because everything is communal now.”
This statement clearly underlines her attempt to twist narratives in favour of a pro-Pakistani agenda. Mehbooba Mufti failed to elaborate on why there should be talks between India and Pakistan. All issues concerning the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are India’s sovereign matter, and holding talks with Pakistan is unacceptable.
Mufti’s pro-separatist tendencies are hidden from none. From declaring she will not contest elections till the time Article 370 is imposed, to refusing to hoist the Indian flag, Mufti has left no stone unturned to disrespect Indian sovereignty.
Such was the level of anti-national agenda that, Congress party, which is desperately trying to forge alliances across the nation to stay afloat, had to bow out of the alliance to maintain appearances.
Gupkar Alliance has clearly realised that advocating for Pakistan is not winning its members any popularity votes, so the alliance has now resorted to milking the Khalistani agenda. By painting the Sikh community as a victim and creating a facade of sympathy, the Gupkar Alliance hopes to garner significance, especially during the District Development Council polls in Jammu and Kashmir.
Advocating a non-issue, whose only purpose is to divide the people, the Gupkar Alliance is clearly over. With one scam after another, the latest being that of the Roshni scam, the alliance’s primary leaders, Mufti and Abdullahs, have long lost the people’s support. This latest effort of the coterie is futile as its only result will be turning the people further against them.