Mehbooba Mufti Condemns Modi Government’s Actions in Kashmir: A Continuing Earthquake

The President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has likened the actions of the Narendra Modi-led Indian government on August 5, 2019, to an earthquake for occupied Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the tremors of these actions are still being felt.

Speaking at a public rally in Devsar, Kulgam district, Mufti described the events of 2019 as seismic, asserting that while earthquakes typically subside, the repercussions of the government’s actions continue undiminished. She emphasized that the government’s agenda is to erode the identity of Kashmir and encroach upon its land and job opportunities, but vowed to resist such attempts.

Mufti characterized Jammu and Kashmir as a laboratory where unprecedented experiments are being conducted, urging people not to remain passive observers but to voice their dissent peacefully. She cautioned that if the populace does not speak up now, they risk losing their rights and being marginalized in their own land.

Expressing concern over the plight of various communities, Mufti highlighted the displacement of Gujjars, Bakarwals, and the looming threat of further evictions. She criticized the authorities for closing schools under the pretext of land disputes and questioned the government’s motives behind such actions.

Furthermore, Mufti accused the Modi government of implementing policies detrimental to Kashmir’s economy, including importing cheap apples to undermine local apple production. She argued that these measures are designed to impoverish the people of Kashmir.

Mufti also condemned the arbitrary detention of youth under draconian laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA) for expressing dissent on social media. She decried the targeting of media personnel under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) for reporting the truth. Mufti cited the recent spate of arrests following an incident in Shopian district as evidence of the government’s oppressive tactics ahead of elections.

In her impassioned address, Mufti urged Kashmiris to stand firm against government overreach and defend their rights. She called for unity and resistance against attempts to silence dissent and marginalize the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

To conclude, Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks underscore the ongoing struggle against the Modi government’s policies in Kashmir, portraying them as a continuous seismic event with far-reaching consequences. She calls on Kashmiris to remain vigilant and resilient in the face of adversity, asserting that their collective voice and resistance are crucial in safeguarding their identity and rights.