Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Dec 19 Emphasizing that India is a secular nation founded on constitutional values, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today said the country does not belong to any one religion and must respect the dignity and rights of all citizens.
Reacting to the controversy involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Mufti said the incident was deeply disturbing and should not have happened.
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The PDP chief also launched a sharp attack on BJP leaders, particularly Giriraj Singh, alleging that their mindset promotes intolerance and humiliation of women. Drawing a parallel from the Mahabharata, Mufti said, “This is not Ram Raj; this is Kaurav Raj. Just like Draupadi was humiliated in a public gathering, today similar acts are being repeated.” She said disrespect toward women cannot be justified under any pretext, whether religious or political.
Mufti said she had “no expectations” from leaders who, according to her, repeatedly make statements or indulge in actions that target women and minorities. However, she said the Bihar incident was particularly disappointing given Kumar’s political standing and experience.
The PDP Chief said the J&K was passing through an extremely difficult phase, especially after 2019, with shrinking space for dissent and expression. “It has become difficult even to talk. There is fear in the hearts of people and a sense that their voices are not being heard,” she said.
Welcoming Dr. Mustafa Khan, DDC Member of Hajin B, Bandipora, along with his supporters into the party fold, Mufti said the party would continue to raise issues concerning the rights, dignity, and self-respect of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
She expressed hope that the participation of youth would strengthen the party’s voice. “Together, their voice and our voice should become strong enough to protect the rights and identity of the people,” she said.
Meanwhile, Iltija Mufti filed a complaint at Kothibagh Police Station here against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, seeking registration of an FIR in connection with the recent hijab row.
According to the complaint, Mufti has referred to a video that surfaced on social media, purportedly showing the Bihar Chief Minister pulling down the hijab of a young Muslim doctor, identified as Nusrat Parveen, during an official function in Bihar.
In her written complaint addressed to the Station House Officer, Kothibagh Police Station, Iltija described the incident as “vile” and said it had caused “immense distress and hurt among Muslims, especially women.”
She urged the police to register an FIR against the Bihar Chief Minister, stating that such action was necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect the dignity of women.
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