Mehbooba Mufti Slams India Over Deportations, Home Seizures in IIOJK

In a powerful critique of India’s growing authoritarianism in IIOJK, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has voiced strong opposition to deportation orders and the increasing number of property confiscations, warning of deepening alienation and instability.

Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has sharply condemned the Indian government’s recent measures in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling them “inhumane and unjust.”

In a recent interview, she expressed alarm over the mass arrests, deportation notices, and confiscation of civilian homes. “Thousands are being detained,” she said. “People who have lived here for 30 or 40 years—who married, raised children—are now being declared Pakistanis? That’s cruel.”

Mufti highlighted the plight of poor families and widows, particularly those who came from Pakistan decades ago, who are now being told to leave. “They have nothing. You’re destroying their lives,” she said. “Is this how a nation treats its own citizens?”

She warned that demolition drives, house seizures, and state-driven evictions will only serve to push Kashmiris further away from the Indian state, fueling deeper resentment and fear.

Responding to the recent killing of tourists in Pahalgam, Mufti praised the dignified protests by local residents, calling it a clear signal from Kashmiris that such violence is not acceptable. “Yet again, Kashmiris are being blamed,” she said. “When Kashmiri Pandits left, fingers were pointed at us. Now, tourists die and again, we’re targeted. But look at the reaction—it was peaceful.”

She emphasized that the narrative of blaming ordinary Kashmiris for every tragedy must stop and urged for more responsible and empathetic leadership.

Reflecting on past regional crises like Kargil and Mumbai’s 26/11 attacks, Mufti noted that dialogue always returned. “These are turbulent phases,” she said. “But history and geography bind India and Pakistan together. You can’t change your neighbor.”

She described the current political climate as a dangerous Pandora’s box, warning that simultaneous provocations from both nations could escalate tensions uncontrollably. “Emotions are high on all sides,” she said. “This is when India needs maturity—not more provocations.”

In a direct message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mufti made an emotional appeal: “Don’t let this become another lost opportunity. Kashmiris are human beings—not threats. They need reassurance, not intimidation. This is the time to open hearts, not sow conflict.”