Mehbooba Mufti, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party, was taken into police custody while participating in a demonstration in Delhi against the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s anti-encroachment effort. Political groups in the area criticized the Lieutenant Governor’s administration for the anti-encroachment campaign, with Mufti accusing the BJP government of transforming the Union Territory into a similar situation to Afghanistan by destroying the homes of the poor and marginalized.
At a press conference held in the national capital on Tuesday, Ms. Mufti claimed that the BJP is utilizing its significant power to manipulate everything and crush the Constitution. She went on to say that even though Palestine has its challenges, at least there is communication and dialogue. However, she expressed concern about the situation in Kashmir becoming worse than Afghanistan, with houses being destroyed using bulldozers. She questioned the reason for destroying the small homes of people. According to the government, Ms. Mufti stated that even the ancient Shankaracharya Temple and the cantonment built by the former Maharaja are situated on land that is considered to be an encroachment.
The leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated that although Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha may claim that the homes of the poor will not be affected during the anti-encroachment campaign, his message is not being acted upon as even homes with tin roofs are being torn down.
The PDP leader called on opposition leaders across the country to not remain passive witnesses to the “atrocities committed by the BJP”.
She urged parties like the Congress, Left, DMK, TMC, Samajwadi Party and others to speak out and not remain silent in the face of the injustices being inflicted on ordinary people in Jammu and Kashmir.
(With inputs from agencies)
The Chenab Times News Desk