Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes Modi Regime for Upholding Facade of Normalcy in IIOJK

Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti has voiced strong criticism against the Narendra Modi regime, particularly in the context of the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, stating that the claimed “normalcy” in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) exacts a heavy toll on its residents.

Mufti highlighted the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that Kashmiri youngsters are unjustly detained on trivial grounds, while others pay with their lives and liberty to maintain a suppressed silence. She expressed concern about the manipulation of religious leaders’ sermons, restrictions on peaceful protests, and the impact on daily life, such as power cuts affecting the populace.

Mehbooba Mufti drew attention to a disturbing video circulating on social media, revealing Army jawans in uniforms using abusive language while brutally assaulting civilians. The video, intentionally leaked, aimed to convey a chilling message, according to Mufti, exposing a dark side that mainstream media tends to ignore.

Contrary to the government’s claims of eradicating militancy with the abrogation of Article 370, Mufti argued that armed resistance persists, spreading even to regions like Rajouri and Poonch, traditionally peaceful during insurgency years.

Addressing the Indian Supreme Court’s controversial verdict on Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Mufti highlighted the court’s inconsistency in upholding constitutional provisions. She pointed out that the court previously affirmed that Article 370 could only be revoked with the recommendation of J&K’s constituent assembly, which no longer existed in 2019. Despite the constitutional implications, Mufti expressed disappointment in the court’s failure to protect the state’s special status.

To conclude, Mufti decried the various forms of repression faced by Kashmiris, including arbitrary arrests, raids on businesses, and censorship of religious leaders. She underscored the challenges faced by government employees, journalists, and ordinary citizens, emphasizing the erosion of rights and freedoms in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370.