People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Media advisor Iltija Mufti on Tuesday accused the administration for not allowing them to hold protest in support of Palestine
Addressing a press conference, Iltija Mufti claimed that Mehbooba Mufti was manhandled by security officials in Srinagar when she tried to protest peacefully in support of Palestinian civilians.
“When Mehbooba Mufti wanted to protest for Palestine, she was almost manhandled. She was not allowed to protest peacefully. I want to ask why the local administration has consistently been cracking down on the PDP? You denounce us as anti-national. But the activities that we want to do are peaceful,” she said.
She said, “Our party’s general secretaries, Ghulam Nabi Hanjura and Mehboob Beg, have been subjected to house arrest. Many leaders, including elected members of the District Development Council, have either been detained or instructed to report to police stations in Kashmir. They were planning to voice their concerns about the situation in Palestine through peaceful protests. However, the authorities are preventing us from exercising our right to engage in such peaceful demonstrations.”
She accused the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor of selectively targeting the PDP and implementing a one-sided and harsh crackdown.
She also expressed frustration that other political parties are permitted to hold seminars and events, whereas the PDP has faced restrictions since 2019.
Additionally, she highlighted an incident where PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was prevented from peacefully protesting for Palestine and faced interference from security officers.
Ms. Mufti emphasized that India is the world’s largest democracy, and the presence of an opposition is a vital component of it.
She questioned whether it is a crime to organize peaceful protests to raise awareness about the issues affecting their people, such as the situation in Palestine.
Iltija’s remarks came amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has so far claimed over 5,000 lives.
“People across the world are coming out to support Palestinian civilians who are suffering from atrocities. They are being attacked with phosphorus bombs. At least 1,500 children have been slaughtered in the past two weeks,” she said.
“Let us not forget the Indian government’s official position is that they have condemned Israel’s aggression. Israel is flouting humanitarian international law and has cut medical and electricity supplies. Why is the local administration selectively targeting the PDP?” Iltija added.
With inputs from PTI