SRINAGAR, August 3, 2025 : Former National Conference (NC) legislator Kafeel ur Rehman on Sunday joined the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP), marking a significant political shift in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Rehman, a two-time MLA from the Karnah constituency, was formally inducted into the PDP in Srinagar in the presence of party president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, along with senior party leaders.
Speaking at the event, Mehbooba said Jammu and Kashmir was grappling with administrative indifference and political neglect. “People voted with the hope of addressing their pressing concerns, but the current dispensation seems preoccupied with trivial matters like transfers of patwaris and appointments of BDOs,” she said.
The PDP chief also expressed concern over the exploitation of the region’s natural resources and the continued detention of innocent civilians. “For nearly six years, Jammu and Kashmir has remained divided and disrupted, but little has changed for the common people,” she remarked.
Mehbooba warned that if the region is not dealt with sensitively, it risks drawing global attention once again. “We narrowly escaped a major conflict recently. That is why leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru handled Jammu and Kashmir with foresight and care,” she said.
The induction of Rehman is seen as an effort by the PDP to strengthen its base in Kupwara ahead of the anticipated Assembly elections.
