Mehbooba Mufti Praises Southern and Eastern Indian States for Standing Up Against Waqf Amendment Act

In an era where dissent is often punished, some Indian states are being hailed for rising above fear to defend religious freedom and secular values.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has publicly thanked the chief ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka for opposing the controversial Waqf Amendment Act.

She described their resistance as a “courageous and principled stand” that offers hope during what she called a dark time for India’s democratic fabric.

Mehbooba Mufti shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that she had sent identical letters to Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, and Siddaramaiah. In these letters, she extended her gratitude for their vocal opposition to the Waqf law changes, which she says threaten minority rights and religious freedom.

“In today’s India, where even peaceful dissent is being criminalized, your clear and unwavering voices are refreshing and deeply appreciated,” Mehbooba wrote in her post. She also shared copies of the letters with her followers.

As the leader of a Muslim-majority region, Mehbooba expressed that the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) find comfort and strength in the strong stances taken by these states. “Your positions provide us inspiration at a time when we face widespread injustice and fear,” she added.

In her letters, Mehbooba criticized what she sees as a decade-long rise in majoritarian politics, which she believes is eroding the nation’s diversity and secular values. She pointed out that while a majority of citizens reject divisive politics, power now rests in the hands of those promoting hatred and undermining democratic institutions.

She emphasized that minorities, especially Muslims, are bearing the greatest impact of these policies. Referring specifically to the Waqf Amendment Act, she argued that it is being used as a tool to curtail religious freedoms and seize control of minority institutions.

Mehbooba connected these developments to previous events, such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of IIOJK in 2019. She described these actions as examples of systemic injustice that continue to strip Kashmiris of their rights and identity.

By praising these three southern and eastern Indian leaders, she hopes to encourage others across the country to speak up against injustice and authoritarianism.

Her message was both a political statement and a heartfelt appeal to preserve India’s pluralism. She concluded by saying that acts of solidarity like those from West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka offer a much-needed reminder of the values India was built on.