On Accession Day, Mehbooba reminds Centre of promises, says ‘trust broken’

Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, while observing October 26 as the Accession Day, on Monday (October 26, 2026) said J&K’s accession to India “came with guarantees, not a blank cheque for their violation”. Meanwhile, the BJP also observed the day with fanfare. 

October 26 was introduced as an official holiday in J&K during the Central rule in 2020, immediately after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in 2019.

“J&K’s accession to India was based on trust in secular leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the assurances to protect its distinct identity, land, jobs and composite culture. The safeguards under Articles 370 and 35A remain important for protecting the region’s interests,” said Ms. Mufti, while holding a copy of the Instrument of Accession from 1947, which restricted India’s role in the region to Defence, External Affairs, Communications and Currency.

On the abrogation of Article 370, Ms. Mufti said, “The move weakened the constitutional safeguards and political rights of J&K’s people. Restrictions on protests and freedom of expression should not be mistaken for acceptance of the prevailing situation. The BJP mistakes this silence for acceptance and assumes that the situation has become normal. But this is not normality; it is fear,” said Ms. Mufti.

She said J&K joined hands with India with trust and on certain conditions, “but those promises have been broken. Instead of winning people’s hearts, the government is using laws and force to control J&K”.

She said that even after 80 years, J&K continued to face difficulties. “The region remained heavily militarised. Kashmir is witnessing passport restrictions, police summons to former militants and frequent security checks. Investigative agencies, security forces and restrictions were being used instead of dialogue,” said Ms. Mufti.

Meanwhile, in Srinagar, the BJP celebrated the 79th anniversary of the accession to the Union of India by distributing sweets. “It is a historic day that we celebrate. The Maharaja was a great visionary, as he felt the people of Jammu and Kashmir would have a secure future in the Union of India,” said BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said.

He also praised the Doga Maharaja for “rejecting the two-nation theory and acceding to India.” 

BJP Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore paid tributes to the late Brigadier Rajinder Singh at the Accession Day function held in Jammu. “Mr. Rajinder made supreme sacrifice in defeating Pakistan’s aggression which resulted in J&K’s integration with India,” said Mr. Kishore.