Is Mehbooba Mufti Under 'House Arrest' to Prevent Her from Visiting a Separatist Leader's Family?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti alleges house arrest by the government.
- Accusations highlight the ongoing political tensions in Kashmir.
- Professor Abdul Gani Bhat was a significant separatist leader.
- 1987 elections are viewed as a turning point in Kashmir's political history.
- The BJP's approach to Kashmir remains a contentious issue.
Srinagar, Sep 18 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has claimed that she has been subjected to house arrest to hinder her from paying respects to the family of senior separatist figure, Abdul Gani Bhat.
On X, Mehbooba Mufti stated, “The act of confining political leaders at home today, solely to prevent us from visiting Sopore to convey condolences on the passing of Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, exposes the harsh and undemocratic reality in Jammu and Kashmir. The events at Hazratbal Dargah, which sparked spontaneous public outrage, were not merely isolated occurrences. They signify a loud, undeniable message from a populace driven to the brink. The BJP remains willfully ignorant of this reality, refusing to acknowledge the deep anguish and suppressed feelings that have been intensifying for years.”
She criticized the BJP for failing to mend the wounds in the valley. “It is increasingly evident that the BJP has no desire for peace or reconciliation in Kashmir. They seem intent on maintaining a perpetual state of unrest, exploiting suffering and chaos for political gain across the nation. This cynical strategy is not only irresponsible; it is perilous and fully reprehensible.”
Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, the former chairman of the separatist alliance, All Parties Hurriyat Conference, passed away on Wednesday at his home in Batingoo village, located in the Sopore area of Baramulla district. He was 90 years old.
Bhat was among the separatist leaders who established the Muslim United Front (MUF) in 1987 to contest the Assembly elections against the ruling National Conference (NC) led by Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
It is widely perceived that the 1987 elections were rigged to prevent MUF leaders from entering the state assembly.
Numerous young individuals who served as election agents for MUF candidates sought training in arms across PoK and returned to instigate violence in Kashmir in 1989.
Many believe that the rigging of the 1987 Assembly elections acted as a catalyst for Pakistan to entice local youth into terrorism after their attempts to engage in the democratic process were thwarted.