National Conference (NC) Lok Sabha MP Ruhullah Mehdi has strongly criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for meeting with the US Ambassador, Sergio Gor, at a time of significant international conflict, particularly in Palestine and Iran. Mehdi asserted that the United States has no legitimate role in interfering with the internal affairs of other nations, especially when, in his view, it is a perpetrator of violence in these regions alongside its ally, Israel. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Mehdi questioned the timing and implications of such a meeting, suggesting that seeking legitimacy from the US envoy under these circumstances is inappropriate.
Speaking to reporters, Mehdi articulated his stance by stating, “If I were to receive legitimacy from the US ambassador, I would throw that legitimacy into the river. Now, when there is bloodshed in Palestine and Iran, the very perpetrator comes here to grant me legitimacy?” He further elaborated on his perspective, questioning the necessity of seeking external validation for the internal situation of Jammu and Kashmir. “What belongs to whom, whether the situation here is good or bad — why do I need to seek legitimacy for that from the US?” Mehdi asked, responding to inquiries about Ambassador Gor’s recent visit to the region. The US Ambassador had previously drawn attention by referring to Jammu and Kashmir as “an important part of India” during his visit to Srinagar on August 19, a statement that had already sparked diplomatic discussions.
Mehdi reiterated his belief that the US should not meddle in the affairs of other countries. “First, let them answer whether the US administration itself is legitimate? What are they doing in the regions and affairs of other nations? Who is part of what and who isn’t, is our internal matter; the US has nothing to do with this. Whether conditions here are fine or not is none of the US’ business,” he stated. His critique extended directly to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whom he questioned for engaging with the US envoy. “I want to ask our Chief Minister: when the ambassador of that murderous regime came here, did you, on behalf of your people, ask him why they, and their ally Israel, are committing unjust killings in Palestine, and Iran? Even if you didn’t ask, did you at least lodge a note of protest before the US ambassador against the bloodshed they are causing in Palestine, Gaza, Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon?” Mehdi inquired.
The Srinagar Lok Sabha MP, who has reportedly been at odds with the party leadership for some time, emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir perceive the US and Israel as responsible for ongoing violence. “Our protest against them stands firm,” he declared. Addressing questions about calls for his resignation from the party, Mehdi maintained that his mandate from the electorate was to advocate for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, not merely to discuss statehood. He expressed a desire for the party to actively participate in this fight, stating, “Today, I am asking the party to fight that same battle, but, in response, I am told to resign. I want them to be in that fight and support it, the fight for which we took votes from the people. But they are missing there.”
Mehdi further criticized the NC leadership, suggesting they have weakened and diluted the party’s core agenda. “Instead of Article 370, instead of constitutional rights and guarantees, they have now come down to statehood and even business rules. So, they are failing at every stage when it comes to the fight for constitutional protections and rights,” he observed. He indicated that if the party wished for his resignation, it should formally issue a show-cause notice. “At least they should issue a show cause notice, ask me that you have violated the party at such and such places, you have violated the party’s ideology, you have violated the party’s stand. Then, I would be able to answer. They can’t even issue a show-cause notice,” Mehdi commented, attributing the confusion among the public to the perceived incompetence of the NC leadership. He also accused NC leaders of exhibiting arrogance, which he believes has led to their decline and will continue to hinder their progress. “It is this very arrogance that has brought them down and will continue to sink them. Until this arrogance is eradicated from the ranks of the party, they will neither be able to save themselves nor this nation,” he concluded.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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