Won't contest until both constitutions applied: Mufti

Jammu: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said on Monday that she will not contest elections until both the constitutions of India and the erstwhile state are made applicable to Jammu and Kashmir. "Personally, it (abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A) is very emotional for me. I contested the first election taking oath under the constitutions of India and state. I took both flags in my hands. Until both constitutions will not be (existing) together (in J&K), I have said I will not personally contest elections," the former Chief Minister told reporters here.

Replying to a question on contesting elections and becoming a Chief Minister, she said the PDP has several capable people and not just Mehbooba Mufti alone.

Mufti also criticised the Jammu and Kashmir administration over its decision to sack sons of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin from government services, saying "you can't hold a child responsible for the actions of his father until and unless you have a proof".

"I have said this again and again, you can capture a man but not an idea. You've to address the idea, as Vajpayeeji did. Witch-hunting, criminalisation of dissent is taking our nation back," she added.