Karachi, Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party, has spoken out against the Narendra Modi regime’s narrative of normalcy in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), especially post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. She asserts that this so-called normalcy comes at a great cost to the people of the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Mufti, in her article, detailed the harsh realities faced by Kashmiri youth, including indiscriminate arrests and the loss of life and liberty to maintain what she describes as “a sullen silence.” She condemned the restrictions on religious leaders and the inability of the public to protest peacefully, even on daily issues like power cuts.

Mufti expressed her shock over a video circulating on social media showing Army jawans brutally assaulting civilians. She questioned the motives behind the recording and distribution of such a video, suggesting it was intentionally leaked to convey a threatening message. This incident, she indicated, contradicts the Indian government’s narrative and presence in the region.

Furthermore, Mufti highlighted the contradiction between the Modi government’s claims of eradicating militancy in J&K post-Article 370 and the reality of increased insurgency, even in traditionally peaceful areas like Rajouri and Poonch. She criticized the Indian Supreme Court’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, asserting that the court is obligated to uphold the constitution but failed to do so in the case of Article 370.

Mufti’s remarks bring to light the ongoing challenges and human rights concerns in IIOJK. She argued that the constitutional rights of Kashmiris are being overridden by the central government, and even the judiciary has fallen short in protecting these rights. Her article paints a grim picture of the situation in Kashmir, challenging the official narrative of normalcy and stability in the region.