Iltija Mufti Urges Amit Shah to Soften Stance on J&K Youth, Calls for End to ‘Muscular Policy

Srinagar, Sept 22: Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and a rising figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), made a direct appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to adopt a more compassionate approach towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking during a campaign event in Ganderbal for PDP candidate Bashir Ahmad Mir, Iltija called for an end to what she termed as Delhi’s “muscular approach” to governance in the region.

“The Home Minister must soften his heart towards the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom are unjustly imprisoned. We will ensure their release and push for a shift in Delhi’s hardened stance,” she told reporters in Manigam. Iltija emphasized that young people in the region, some detained “for no fault of their own,” deserve justice and a chance at rehabilitation, highlighting that the PDP would fight to secure their release.

When questioned about the alleged support the PDP has from Jamaat-e-Islami’s “silent voters,” Iltija dismissed the claims as baseless. In a veiled jab at National Conference (NC) Vice-President Omar Abdullah, she remarked, “Those making such allegations can’t digest our growing support. They’re worried about their political future, especially after the setback they faced in the Lok Sabha elections.”

Iltija didn’t hold back in her criticism of the National Conference, accusing the party of neglecting the people of Ganderbal. While addressing a gathering in Nunnar, she said, “For 60 years, the NC has done nothing for Ganderbal except appear during election season. In contrast, the PDP’s time in government saw tangible progress, particularly under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s leadership.”

She further condemned the NC’s legacy in the region, claiming that their symbol, the ‘plough,’ had brought nothing but “injustice and oppression” to Ganderbal. “It was the PDP that gave relief to the people from oppressive policies like POTA and the ‘Ikhwan’ militias,” she added, asserting that the PDP has always prioritized the dignity and well-being of the people.

Iltija expressed optimism that Ganderbal would once again become a symbol of change, as it had in 2002 when the PDP first gained ground. “The people of Ganderbal chose change once, and I believe they will do so again. Dignity comes before everything else, and the PDP is committed to protecting the dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she stated.

Praising the resilience of Bashir Ahmad Mir, the PDP’s candidate for Ganderbal, Iltija pointed out that while many others had deserted the party, Mir remained steadfast. “Despite challenges, including the recent demolition of his hotel, Bashir Ahmad Mir has stood firm. You must choose a representative who will fight for you, not one who shows up only at election time asking for your vote and an apology in the same breath,” she concluded, urging voters not to waste their support on the National Conference.