Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has self-identified as a “dimagi Naxal” due to her continued support for the now-abrogated Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was revoked by the central government in 2019, leading to the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Mufti articulated her stance in a post on the social media platform X on Sunday night, stating, “I support Article 370. I’m a dimagi Naxal.” Accompanying her statement was a photograph featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. This declaration by Mufti appears to be a direct response to a post made by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju. Rijiju had clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not labeled opposition leaders as “dimagi Naxals.” Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Rijiju proceeded to outline specific categories of individuals whom he considered to fit the description of “dimagi Naxals.”
According to Rijiju’s post on X, the individuals who could be termed “dimagi Naxals” are those who support Maoists and reject the Indian Constitution, those who align with separatists and advocate for Article 370, and those who aim to sever the Northeast region from India, referred to as wanting to “cut the chicken neck.” Earlier, Prime Minister Modi himself had used the term “dimagi Naxals” during his Independence Day address. In his speech, he cautioned against “dimagi Naxals” who he alleged had infiltrated the system and continued to pose a threat to society by manipulating policies. Prime Minister Modi had urged citizens to identify and isolate such individuals and to guide the nation’s youth towards the mainstream path of national development.
When approached for comment on Mufti’s remarks on Monday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declined to offer a direct response. “So, why are you asking me to explain or speak about what she tweets? It’s her Twitter account. Her daughter runs it,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar. He added, “Let her tweet what she likes. What’s wrong with that?”
Meanwhile, leaders within the PDP have voiced their support for their party chief’s position. Javed Firdouz, the PDP’s social media head, also took to X to express his solidarity. Firdouz stated that if advocating for the rights of Jammu and Kashmir and supporting the restoration of Article 370 qualified him as a “dimagi Naxal,” then he readily accepted the label. “I believe in democracy, the Constitution and the fundamental rights of our people. I support Article 370. Yes, I am a dimagi Naxal,” Firdouz declared.
The term “dimagi Naxal,” which translates to “intellectual Naxal,” has been employed in political discourse to describe individuals perceived as harboring anti-national sentiments or undermining the country’s integrity through their ideologies and actions. The context of Article 370’s abrogation remains a significant point of contention in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, with various political factions holding differing views on its implications for the region’s identity and relationship with the Indian Union. Mufti’s statement underscores the deep divisions that persist regarding the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and the broader political narrative surrounding national integration and regional autonomy.
The Union Minister’s categorization of “dimagi Naxals” appears to draw a clear line between those who uphold the Indian Constitution and national unity, and those whose actions or beliefs are seen as detrimental to these principles. This framing by the government seeks to delegitimize dissent and opposition, particularly concerning issues related to special status and regional aspirations. The PDP’s response, however, reframes this criticism as a badge of honor for those who stand for the rights and constitutional guarantees of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The political discourse surrounding Article 370 has been intense since its revocation. The abrogation was presented by the government as a necessary step to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir with India, promote development, and ensure national security. However, many political leaders and segments of the population in the region view it as an erosion of their unique identity and constitutional rights. Mufti’s public declaration is a significant moment in this ongoing debate, highlighting the continued resistance to the central government’s actions and the determination of some regional parties to keep the demand for the restoration of Article 370 alive.
The reference to “cutting the chicken neck” in Rijiju’s statement is a known geopolitical reference to the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow strip of land that connects India’s northeastern states to the rest of the country. Any threat to this corridor is perceived as a significant national security concern. By including this in his definition of “dimagi Naxals,” Rijiju implies that those who support separatism or secessionist movements, particularly in sensitive border regions, fall under this category. This broadens the scope of the term beyond ideological opposition to the constitution to include perceived threats to territorial integrity.
The reaction from Omar Abdullah, a prominent political figure in Jammu and Kashmir and a former Chief Minister himself, suggests a cautious approach to engaging with the controversial remarks. His deflection of the question, attributing the tweet to Mufti’s daughter, might be an attempt to distance himself from the heated rhetoric while acknowledging the personal nature of social media posts. However, the underlying political implications of Mufti’s statement are undeniable, as it directly challenges the government’s narrative and reasserts a position that has become increasingly marginalized in the post-Article 370 era.
The solidarity shown by PDP leaders like Javed Firdouz indicates a unified front within the party on the issue of Article 370. Their willingness to embrace the label “dimagi Naxal” signifies a defiant stance against what they perceive as attempts to silence dissent and delegitimize their political struggle. This could potentially galvanize support among those who feel disenfranchised by the constitutional changes and further polarize the political discourse in the region.
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.