Peoples’ Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti and Peoples’ Conference leader Sajjad Lone recently claimed they were put under house arrest. This action was taken to prevent them from visiting Sopore to pay respects for former Hurriyat Conference chairman Abdul Gani Bhat, who passed away.
The event took place on Thursday, just days after Bhat died. Mufti stated that the decision to restrict political leaders from attending the funeral is indicative of the undemocratic climate prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir. She expressed her sentiments via a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Impact of Abdul Gani Bhat’s Death
Abdul Gani Bhat died on Wednesday evening after a prolonged illness at his residence in Sopore. He was a significant figure in the Kashmir Valley and his death sparked considerable public grief.
Mufti expressed that the state’s actions only intensify the public’s anger and frustration. Referring to a recent incident at the Hazratbal Shrine in Srinagar, she mentioned that the public outcry reflected a simmering discontent that has not been addressed.
Political Tensions in Kashmir
On September 5, a plaque containing the Ashoka emblem was vandalized at the Hazratbal shrine, leading to widespread outrage. Various political parties claimed that the Waqf Board chairperson, Darakshan Andrabi, disrespected religious sentiments, further escalating tensions within the region.
Mufti criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for failing to address the ongoing unrest. She stated that the party seems disinterested in fostering peace and healing in the region and continues to exploit the prevailing unrest for political gain.
Sajjad Lone’s Perspective
Alongside Mufti, Sajjad Lone, the chief of the Peoples’ Conference and Member of Legislative Assembly for Handwara, voiced his frustration over being placed under house arrest. He was barred from visiting Botingoo, the ancestral village of Bhat.
Lone argued that such restrictions are unwarranted, highlighting that Bhat was a pacifist. He emphasized that everyone deserves an opportunity to bid farewell to respected figures in the community.
The claims of both leaders shed light on the ongoing tension and political strife in Jammu and Kashmir, raising questions about the democratic rights of political leaders in the region.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
As the situation in Jammu and Kashmir unfolds, both Mehbooba Mufti and Sajjad Lone call for a closer examination of how political actions impact the local population. They argue that the perspectives of the people must be considered to pave the way for peace.
Both politicians emphasize that addressing the underlying grievances of the Kashmiri people is essential for long-term stability. The current measures seem to indicate that the region is far from achieving tranquility.
