The Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference (JKPC) on Monday organized a protest in New Delhi, expressing strong disapproval over alleged remarks made by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti concerning Kashmiri protesters. The demonstration took place at Jantar Mantar, a prominent site for public gatherings in the capital.
Addressing party workers during the protest, Sheikh Mohammad Imran, the JKPC state secretary (Organisation), declared that the party would not tolerate what he termed an insult to the dignity and identity of the people of Kashmir. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation and the party’s commitment to defending the rights and reputation of Kashmiris.
As per information available with Tahir Rihat, the JKPC demanded an unequivocal apology from Mehbooba Mufti for her alleged statements. Imran issued a stern warning, indicating that the party’s agitation would escalate if the remarks were not retracted. “Mehbooba Ji, apologise to the people of Kashmir. If you do not apologise, today we are protesting inside the party office, tomorrow we will be on the streets,” Imran stated, underscoring the escalating nature of their planned actions.
The JKPC leader launched a sharp critique of the PDP leadership, accusing Mehbooba Mufti of attempting to position herself as a protector of Kashmiris while, according to Imran, having been at the helm during periods marked by significant controversies in the Valley. He questioned her current stance, contrasting it with past actions during her tenure.
Imran specifically referenced the 2016 unrest in Kashmir, alleging that the government led by the PDP was responsible for the extensive use of pellet guns. He claimed that over 13 lakh pellets were fired during that period. This figure was contrasted with Mehbooba Mufti’s own acknowledgment in the Assembly, where she reportedly stated that around 7,000 pellet cartridges were utilized. The JKPC highlighted this discrepancy as evidence of the severity of the actions taken against protesters.
Furthermore, Imran alleged that thousands of individuals were detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) during the PDP’s governance. He pointed out what he described as an irony, where the same leadership now advocating for the release of political detainees had, during their time in power, been responsible for filling the jails with such individuals. This statement aimed to question the PDP’s current political narrative and its consistency with its past policies.
The protest by the JKPC signifies a deepening political divide and a vocal challenge to the narratives surrounding the Kashmir issue and the role of political leaders from the region. The party’s actions indicate a strategic move to capitalize on public sentiment and to hold political figures accountable for their past actions and statements. The demand for an apology and the threat of intensified agitation suggest a prolonged political confrontation over the alleged remarks.
The use of pellet guns and detentions under the PSA have been contentious issues in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing widespread criticism from human rights organizations and political groups. The JKPC’s decision to protest at Jantar Mantar, a national platform, aims to bring these grievances to the forefront of national discourse and to exert pressure on the PDP leadership. The situation highlights the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, where historical grievances and contemporary political strategies continue to shape public opinion and political actions.
The JKPC’s protest is seen by many as an attempt to assert its political relevance and to differentiate itself from other political parties in the region. By directly confronting Mehbooba Mufti, the party seeks to position itself as a more vocal and principled advocate for the people of Kashmir. The outcome of this protest and the response from the PDP will likely have implications for the political dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days.
The allegations made by Sheikh Mohammad Imran against Mehbooba Mufti and the PDP government regarding the use of force and detentions during their tenure are significant. These claims, if substantiated, could further damage the credibility of the PDP and its leadership. The JKPC’s strategy appears to be focused on leveraging these past events to gain political advantage and to rally support among the electorate. The political temperature in Jammu and Kashmir remains high, with various parties vying for political space and influence.
The protest at Jantar Mantar is a clear indication that political battles in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly being fought on national platforms. The JKPC’s move to protest in Delhi suggests a broader strategy to engage with national political discourse and to influence public opinion beyond the confines of the Union Territory. This approach could potentially amplify their message and increase the pressure on their political rivals. The coming days will reveal the extent to which this strategy proves effective in achieving the JKPC’s objectives.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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