SRINAGAR, JANUARY 16: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday urged the people of Iran to remain united in the face of what she described as “ploys” by the United States and Israel, while simultaneously calling upon the Iranian leadership to address the grievances of protesters within the country.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the PDP chief said history shows a consistent pattern of intervention by the United States in other nations under the stated pretext of promoting democracy. She argued that such interventions, in reality, are driven by strategic and economic interests, particularly access to natural resources such as fuel.
Mufti said several Muslim-majority countries have suffered destabilisation and destruction following similar interventions, where allegations of atrocities were used as justification for external involvement. She contrasted this approach with what she termed the silence of the United States on the situation in Gaza, where, according to her, the gravest humanitarian suffering is currently unfolding.
Referring to recent demonstrations in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in parts of the Kashmir Valley after Friday prayers, Mufti expressed satisfaction over public expressions of solidarity with Iran. She said such reactions reflect an awareness among people about global political developments and their implications for Muslim nations.
The PDP chief cautioned the people of Iran against falling into what she described as the strategic designs of the United States and Israel, asserting that these powers, in her view, do not act in the interest of Muslim countries. She warned that internal divisions could leave Iran vulnerable to the kind of instability witnessed in countries such as Syria.
At the same time, Mufti acknowledged that public grievances exist in every country and maintained that governments have a responsibility to listen to and address legitimate concerns. However, she emphasised that such internal issues should be resolved without allowing external forces to exploit domestic unrest.
Touching upon historical and cultural ties, Mufti said Kashmir has traditionally shared close relations with Iran and suggested that demonstrations in support of the Islamic Republic should have taken place more widely across India, as was common in earlier decades. She alleged that the prevailing political atmosphere has created fear among people when it comes to public protest.
Responding to questions about students from Jammu and Kashmir currently studying in Iran, the PDP president said she has written to S. Jaishankar, requesting the arrangement of special flights to ensure the safe return of students amid the uncertain situation.