NC Demands Apology from Mehbooba Mufti Over Remarks on Kashmir Protesters

SRINAGAR, July 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has come under sharp criticism from rival political parties after her remarks comparing student protesters at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar with protesters in Kashmir sparked a political controversy. The National Conference (NC) on Saturday demanded an apology from the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, alleging that her comments appeared to justify the use of force against protesters in the Valley while opposing police action against demonstrators in the national capital. During her address at Jantar Mantar earlier this week, Mehbooba said the situation in Kashmir was different as security forces were combating militancy, while criticising the police action against students protesting in Delhi. Reacting strongly, the National Conference accused the PDP leader of defending the use of force against Kashmiri protesters. In a post on X, the party questioned the justification of force against people protesting for their rights in Jammu and Kashmir. NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar alleged that the remarks portrayed Kashmiri protesters as militants and criticised the statement as insensitive. He said the comments amounted to defending the use of force against local youth and children during previous protests. NC leader and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq also sought a public apology, questioning whether people protesting over issues such as reservations or basic civic amenities should be viewed as militants. Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also criticised Mehbooba Mufti, recalling the 2016 unrest in Kashmir and referring to her earlier “milk and toffee” remark. He alleged that many young people suffered serious injuries, including loss of eyesight, due to the use of pellet guns during that period. The PDP, however, did not issue an official response to the criticism. Party leaders, speaking unofficially, maintained that Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks had been taken out of context.