Former Chief Minister and president of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern over recent actions by Hindu groups in “Muslim majority Jammu and Kashmir.” She stated that these actions go against the decision of the people to reject Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s two-nation theory and embrace Mahatma Gandhi’s secular India.
Mufti, addressing a press conference, emphasized that the leadership of J&K had chosen to align with the secular principles of Gandhi, thereby rejecting Jinnah’s ideology. She criticized right-wing Hindu groups such as BJP, RSS, and Bajrang Dal for undermining this decision through recent developments.
The revocation of permission to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College by the National Medical Commission was described by Mufti as “dangerous and unfortunate.” She alleged that this decision was influenced by a nexus between the Chief Minister and certain right-wing Hindu groups, impacting Muslim candidates who had gained admission through the NEET exam.
Voices advocating for granting statehood to Jammu based on religion were also condemned by Mufti, who warned that such actions could challenge the foundation of Kashmir’s integration into secular India. She expressed apprehension that J&K was being used as a testing ground for controversial decisions that could later be implemented nationwide.
Mufti further raised concerns about the increasing scrutiny and raids conducted by agencies like NIA and ED in Kashmir. She highlighted the need for vigilance against discriminatory practices and urged for unity in facing challenges similar to those experienced in J&K.
