Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti has reiterated that she will not contest the Assembly elections in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, citing the territory’s reduced status to that of a municipality.

According to a Kashmir Media Service report , Mufti stated in a statement issued in Srinagar that she would not participate in the polls due to the loss of special status and the downgrade of IIOJK to a municipality.

Mufti emphasized that she had previously contested elections when Jammu and Kashmir had its own constitution, flag, and powerful legislative assembly. However, she believes that the current scenario, where the Chief Minister requires permission from the Lieutenant Governor for most decisions, makes it untenable for her to participate.