Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Sept 22: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, today asked Home Minister Amit Shah to “soften his heart” towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the PDP will ensure this happens.
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While campaigning for the party’s candidate, Bashir Ahmad Mir, in Ganderbal, Iltija told reporters at Manigam that the “muscular approach” adopted by Delhi must end, and that young people, who are imprisoned “for no fault of theirs,” must be released.
“The Home Minister needs to soften his heart for the youth of J&K and the people of this region. We will ensure it happens. There are young people languishing in prisons for no reason, and we will work to secure their release. Delhi’s muscular policy approach must be softened,” she said.
In response to a question about the PDP receiving support from Jamaat-e-Islami “silent voters,” Iltija dismissed the allegations, saying, “Those making such claims cannot digest our victory,” referring indirectly to National Conference (NC) Vice-President Omar Abdullah.
“These are the same people who once said they would not contest elections, yet now they are contesting from two places. They know that, after what happened in the Lok Sabha elections, they face an end in Ganderbal,” she added.
Earlier, addressing a gathering in Nunnar, Iltija criticized the NC for doing “nothing” for the people of Ganderbal, accusing them of only reaching out to voters at election time and apologize.
“Whatever has been done in Ganderbal, it was during the tenure of the PDP. We were in Government for four years, and during that time, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed carried out numerous works,” she said.
“The NC has been in power for 60 years and gave you nothing. Now they come to you shamelessly asking for votes. It was the PDP that provided relief to the people from POTA and ‘Ikhwan,” she added.
Iltija further stated that the ‘plough’-the NC’s symbol-has only brought injustice to the people of Ganderbal, while the PDP has worked for their dignity and well-being.
“They oppressed you, while we have worked for your betterment. Who will you choose? In 2002, Ganderbal saw change, and since then, the PDP has worked for the people. I am hopeful Ganderbal will lead the change once again,” she said.
She emphasized that while day-to-day needs are important, dignity comes first. “If there is no dignity, nothing else matters. The PDP will protect the dignity of the people, ” she added.
On the party’s candidate, Bashir Ahmad Mir, Iltija noted that many people left the PDP, but he stood firm like a rock. She urged voters not to waste their votes on the NC.
“He has faced many challenges; his hotel was demolished just a few months ago, but he remained steadfast. You must choose your representative wisely. The party you’ve been voting for comes seeking votes and apologizing at the same time. Why? Because they have done nothing for you. Are you really going to waste your vote on them?” she asked.
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