Srinagar, 13-03-2024 : Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), voiced her concern on Wednesday, alleging that the notification of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was a deliberate tactic employed by the BJP to divert attention from its perceived “failures” over the past decade.
During a press conference held in Srinagar, Mufti urged Muslims across the country not to be swayed by the BJP’s agenda but to utilize their voting rights to respond to such laws and engage in legal battles instead. She emphasized that the CAA was specifically aimed at targeting Muslims, portraying it as a means to instigate communal tensions. Mufti criticized the BJP’s governance, highlighting failures in addressing unemployment, farmer distress, and inflation, accusing them of regressing the country and fostering Hindu-Muslim discord. Referring to various incidents of religious intolerance and discrimination, including mosque demolitions and harassment during prayers, she underscored the BJP’s alleged divisive tactics. Despite these provocations, Mufti encouraged Muslims to refrain from street protests and instead seek legal recourse, pointing out the positive outcomes of recent court decisions.
Additionally, she called for environmental experts to be consulted before embarking on infrastructure projects like the proposed railway line in Kashmir, citing concerns about ecological repercussions and the potential destruction of apple orchards in Shopian. Mufti’s remarks underscore a broader critique of the BJP’s governance and its handling of sensitive socio-political issues, advocating for a more inclusive and environmentally-conscious approach to development in the region.