SRINAGAR: Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday voiced strong concern over what she described as a disturbing pattern of attacks and harassment targeting Kashmiris and minorities in different parts of the country.
Reacting to recent incidents, Mehbooba Mufti said that what began with the alleged assault on a young Kashmiri, Tabish, in Uttarakhand had now extended to the harassment of an elderly Kashmiri, while perpetrators continued to move freely. She termed the situation alarming and questioned the silence of Members of Parliament from Jammu and Kashmir.
“Where are the MPs of J and K who should be raising their voices as such attacks become routine,” she said, expressing anguish over the lack of political intervention in such cases.
Mehbooba Mufti further alleged that instead of upholding Raj Dharma, state governments appeared to be granting silent patronage to mob violence. She said hatred was being used as a shortcut to political success, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for minorities.
“The rule of law has been replaced by politics of fear,” she remarked, warning that continued inaction would further erode public trust in democratic institutions and constitutional safeguards.
Her remarks come amid growing political debate over the safety and dignity of Kashmiris and minority communities outside Jammu and Kashmir, with several leaders demanding accountability and firm action against those involved in such incidents. [KNT]
