Mehbooba Mufti: Kashmiris Still Viewed as ‘Suspicious Citizens’ 80 Years After Independence

Srinagar, October 26: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, speaking on Accession Day, alleged that Kashmiris continue to be treated as “suspicious citizens” even decades after India’s Independence.

Mufti criticised what she described as excessive security restrictions and alleged that such measures create obstacles to the exercise of democratic rights. She argued that silence enforced through restrictions should not be mistaken for peace.

“BJP considers this silence to be peace. It is not peace; it is terror,” Mufti said.

Her remarks came during Accession Day events in Jammu and Kashmir, where political debates over security measures, civil liberties and democratic participation continue to remain contentious.

Mehbooba Mufti Invokes Secular Ideals, Says J&K Acceded to India on Trust and Communal Harmony

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday invoked the secular vision of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad while speaking at a gathering at the party headquarters in Srinagar.

Holding up a large copy of the Instrument of Accession, Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir chose to accede to India on the basis of trust and with the belief in a secular nation founded on mutual respect, brotherhood and communal harmony.

She stressed that the ideals associated with the country’s founding leadership were rooted in pluralism, equality and peaceful coexistence, and said these values remain central to the understanding of Jammu and Kashmir’s relationship with India.

Mufti’s remarks came as political parties and leaders reflected on the historical circumstances surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India.