Srinagar, Feb 18 : Reacting to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sonmarg, National Conference MP Agha Ruhullah Mehdi dismissed the praise, calling it unnatural and a sign of divine wrath.
Ruhullah made these remarks in an exclusive conversation with Kashmir News Service (KNS) in New Delhi.
During PM Modi’s visit to Sonmarg in January, Omar praised the Prime Minister, saying that the weather supported his presence with clear skies and warmth in their hearts. The comment sparked backlash, with many drawing parallels to former CM Mehbooba Mufti’s infamous “toffee and milk” remark, which has haunted her politically for years.
When asked whether Omar’s praise could, like Mufti’s statement, remain a political tag for years to come, Ruhullah said that sunshine during Chilai Kalan was not something to celebrate.
He said that Kashmir’s winters are meant for snow, and an absence of it is unnatural and ominous. “If, during Chilai Kalan, we see the sun instead of snow, it is not a blessing—it is God’s wrath.” Ruhullah refused to justify Omar’s remarks and added, “Only he can explain why he said that.”
“If we do not fulfill our promises, we will be held accountable. Just like Mehbooba’s words are remembered today, we will also be questioned in the future.” Ruhullah said in response to a question whether their past statements will haunt them in future. He was quick to add that the government has only been in power for two months, and there is still time to stay on the promised path.
Discussing the National Conference’s core promises, Ruhullah said the fight for Jammu and Kashmir’s identity was not just a slogan. He said that the abrogation of Article 370 was not merely a political move but a direct assault on Kashmir’s constitutional rights. “NC must stick to its ideological commitments throughout its five-year term, or else people will see it as a betrayal,” he warned.
Asked whether he felt isolated within his party for continuing to raise the issue of Article 370 while others focused on statehood, Ruhullah said that it did not matter whether he stood alone. “Two months is too early to say NC has changed course, but I will continue to remind my party of our responsibility. If we abandon our objectives, we will lose people’s trust,” he added.
Speaking on whether the current government was living up to public expectations, Ruhullah said that the voters in Jammu and Kashmir are politically aware and would hold leaders accountable. “The people of J&K are not just passive observers. They know what they were promised and what they expect in return. If the government does not meet their expectations, the same public that elects leaders also has the power to remove them,” he said.
He further said that Kashmiris have a long political memory. They do not forget when leaders make promises and then fail to deliver. Leaders must not take this mandate for granted.
Regarding past criticism from within the NC for his activism and engagement with youth protests, Ruhullah said that he would oppose any system that suppressed the rights of the people. “No system is more important than the dignity of the people. If students protest for their rights, their concerns must be addressed.”
He also said that the National Conference must continue to uphold the values of internal democracy. “I hope the party will continue to support these principles. I will not allow the real issue—students’ rights—to be overshadowed by internal politics,” he added.
Deatiled Interview in The Kashmir Magazine.(KNS)
