Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Sept 10: Former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today alleged that the real leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) are jailed and targeted by Government agencies, suggesting that those contesting elections under the JeI name are merely proxies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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Mufti made these remarks while addressing an election rally in the Chandgam area of Pulwama district. She expressed confusion over the inconsistency in the Government’s actions, pointing out that while some candidates openly claim to be members of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and run for elections under its banner, the Government has banned the organization, shut down its schools, seized its orchards and dismantled its structure, much like it did with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
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“Some candidates now claim to represent JeI, but the real members are in pain, imprisoned, and pursued by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). I do not understand this,” she added.
She said that the Government should remove the ban if it wants JeI to participate in democratic processes. “Open their schools and orchards, and stop using threats from the ED,” she added.
Regarding candidates contesting elections from jail, Mufti highlighted that many young people have been languishing in jails for years, and their families are not allowed to meet them.
“Parents of the poor youth in jail cannot even visit them, yet there are individuals contesting elections from jail, forming political parties and enjoying security,” she remarked.
She also criticized the lack of police action when their candidates are attacked, while the Election Commission of India sends notices to the PDP candidates.
The former Chief Minister emphasized that the PDP is focused on resolving the Jammu and Kashmir issue. She also reiterated the party’s commitment to development, citing projects such as roads, universities, and job creation through schemes like Rehbar-e-Taleem.
Targeting the National Conference (NC), Mufti questioned their contributions to the region, accusing them of introducing oppressive laws like POTA, PSA. “We must work for the release of the youth suffering in jails across the country,” she urged.
Mufti also stressed that the land and jobs in J&K belong to its people. “No one can take that from us,” she said.
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