Srinagar, July 25 : Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of displaying “breathtaking political hypocrisy” by condemning the use of force against protesting students in Delhi while attempting to justify or dilute similar actions when the victims were the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued , Reacting to Mehbooba Mufti’s participation at Jantar Mantar, Inam Un Nabi said it is ironic that a leader whose tenure remains associated in the minds of many Kashmiris with one of the most turbulent and painful periods is today trying to portray herself as a champion of civil liberties.
“Before standing shoulder to shoulder with students in Delhi, Mehbooba Mufti must first stand before the youth of Kashmir with folded hands and apologise for the suffering they endured during her government. Without that apology, every lecture on democracy and human rights rings hollow,” he said.
Inam Un Nabi said Kashmir witnessed widespread pellet injuries, mass detentions, crackdowns and an atmosphere of fear during the PDP-BJP government.
“It was during her tenure that students who raised their voices, were met with coercive measures instead of dialogue. Instead of listening to the aspirations of young people, the response was suppression. Those memories cannot be erased by a photo opportunity at Jantar Mantar.
Inam Un Nabi said what deserves the strongest condemnation is Mehbooba Mufti’s attempt to adopt two entirely different yardsticks for the same issue.
“When force is used in Delhi, she calls it oppression. When Kashmiris faced similar measures, she found explanations and justifications. This selective morality is not only indefensible but deeply insulting to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Human rights cannot begin at Delhi’s borders and end at the Banihal Tunnel.”
Inam Un Nabi said the tears of a Kashmiri mother whose son was blinded or jailed are no less valuable than those of any parent elsewhere in the country.
“Democracy cannot operate with two constitutions of conscience, one for Delhi and another for Kashmir. Justice cannot wear different colours depending on geography or political convenience.”
Inam Un Nabi said Mehbooba Mufti owes the people of Kashmir answers, accountability and above all an unconditional apology.
“She must first acknowledge the pain, the mistakes and the consequences of her own government’s actions before claiming the moral authority to speak for students anywhere else. Kashmir’s youth have long memories. They cannot be expected to forget yesterday’s repression simply because its architects have discovered the language of empathy today,” he added.(KNS)
