SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq has demanded an apology from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti for her recent remarks concerning police action against protesters in Jammu and Kashmir. Sadiq alleged that Mufti’s statements effectively justified the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
Sadiq Criticizes Mufti’s Stance on Protests
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Tanvir Sadiq expressed his strong disapproval of Mehbooba Mufti’s comments made during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. According to information available with The Chenab Times, Sadiq stated that the NC had invited Mufti to join their protest at Jantar Mantar, but she did not attend. He expressed shock over her remarks, which he interpreted as suggesting that police action in Jammu and Kashmir was acceptable, while similar actions in Delhi were not.
Sadiq contended that such a stance equates every protester in Jammu and Kashmir with militants, thereby legitimizing the use of force against individuals participating in peaceful demonstrations. He questioned the logic, emphasizing that people often protest over issues like reservations, unemployment, and civic concerns, and these demonstrations should not be conflated with militancy. Sadiq asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are entitled to the same democratic rights and constitutional protections as citizens in other parts of the country.
Calls for Withdrawal of Statement
The NC leader demanded that Mehbooba Mufti withdraw her statement, asserting that her remarks had hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed that no political leader should make statements that undermine democratic rights or appear to endorse the use of force against peaceful protesters. Sadiq further described the NC’s recent protest at Jantar Mantar as a significant event aimed at restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s rights, noting it was possibly the first time a ruling political party, led by a sitting Chief Minister, had organized such a protest in the national capital.
The National Conference spokesperson also highlighted the party’s commitment to holding the protest despite receiving permission at the last moment. He mentioned that supporters from across Jammu and Kashmir had gathered peacefully to register their dissent. Sadiq criticized other opposition parties for confining their activism to social media rather than participating in demonstrations.
Multiple reports indicate that Mehbooba Mufti later apologized for her remarks, stating that she intended to say “Bahana Banta Hain” (an excuse is made) but inadvertently uttered only “Banta Hain” (it is understandable/justifiable). She explained that the video circulating on social media was authentic and that her words were spoken in haste during the protest. Despite the apology, the controversy has reignited discussions about the handling of protests and the use of force in Jammu and Kashmir during her tenure as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2018, a period that saw numerous pellet gun injuries among youth.
The Chenab Times News Desk