Young generation hates pro-India politicians in Kashmir, says Mehbooba Mufti

Stating that young generation in Kashmir hate pro-India politicians due to massive human rights violations, People’s Democratic Party President and leader of opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti said that New Delhi needs to strengthen democratic institutions in the state.

Mehbooba further alleged New Delhi of ‘managing the state’ instead of working for long term solutions and deny Kashmiris benefits of all democratic institutions.
“Militancy might have gone down, but alienation among young generation has increased. They hate all pro-India politicians, because of the present government and human rights violations,” said Mehbooba, while interacting with journalists at Foreign Correspondents Club in New Delhi.

Indian system has been unfair to Kashmiris, said Mehbooba adding, “Most of the youngsters killed in last few years were innocent. Many others have lost eyesight due to pellet gun firing. New Delhi should not allow the wound to turn into gangrene.”

She urged New Delhi to be concerned about human rights violations like it has shown for Srilankan Tamils due to protest in Tamil Nadu.

Casting aspersions on upcoming elections in the state, Mehbooba said that New Delhi should strive for creating a congenial atmosphere and refrain from extending ‘fudged democracy’ to the state. “NC and Congress coalition is sending a message that things are always fixed in Kashmir,” said Mehbooba adding, “Even the boycott call of Geelani sahib, we fear, is likely to be implemented by the goons, guns and grenades of National Conference,” said Mehbooba.

The revelation of former Army chief, Mehbooba has further raised questions about the democratic processes in the state.

In reference to the recent electoral reform of addition of NOTA button to reject all candidates, Mehbooba castigated mainstream political parties in the state for viewing it skeptically. “New Delhi should create atmosphere that will instill confidence among people of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.

About the possibility of PDP joining hands with BJP, Mehbooba clarified that BJP and its prime ministerial candidate are seen as anti-secular forces. “We don’t have any intention of being part of BJP.”

However, she was quick to recollect and appreciate efforts of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, for resolving Kashmir issue. “Vajpayee touched hearts of Kashmiris,” said PDP president adding, “New Delhi should capitalise on these efforts to move ahead.”

Terming Jammu and Kashmir as ‘Peace Bridge’ between Central Asia and South Asia, Mehbooba said, “Jammu and Kashmir with its borders with Afghanistan, China and Pakistan can be transformed into economic gateway for the region.”