Srinagar, Mehbooba Mufti, the Chief of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has publicly challenged the Narendra Modi-led Indian government’s contrasting approaches towards militants in northeast states and the treatment of residents in Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti’s remarks were made during a commemorative event in Bijbehara, Islamabad district.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Mufti spoke to party members and supporters at the tomb of her father, PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, on the eighth anniversary of his death. She emphasized that while the Indian government is engaged in negotiations with militants in the northeast, it has been unjustly labelling regular citizens of Jammu and Kashmir as militants.

Mufti expressed her resolve, stating, “We will neither surrender, nor will raise the white flag. If you talk to us with dignity, we will respond with respect. However, if you talk through batons like you did in Bafliaz, it will not work.” Her statement refers to an incident in Bafliaz where force was reportedly used against civilians.

The PDP president criticized the Indian government’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir, including the use of force, indiscriminate arrests, and raids by agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, National Investigation Agency, and State Investigation Agency. She questioned the appropriateness of such measures against one’s own people.

Mufti’s comments reflect the ongoing tension and dissatisfaction with the central government’s policies and actions in the region, highlighting a significant political and social divide.