BJP in Jammu and Kashmir Critiques Mehbooba Mufti's 'Anti-National' Comments on Bangladesh

Jammu and Kashmir, Dec 2 (NationPress) - The President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has faced intense criticism from the BJP unit in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday after she compared the conditions in Bangladesh—which is currently under scrutiny for purported attacks on its minority groups—with those in India.

While addressing party members in Jammu, Mufti stated: "Our Hindu brothers are enduring oppression in Bangladesh, but if we treat minorities here (in India) the same way, what difference does it make? We possess a magnificent country, celebrated globally for its secular nature."

This statement sparked considerable outrage, with J&K BJP leaders accusing her of making anti-national remarks by drawing comparisons between the situation in Bangladesh and India.

Former President of J&K BJP, Ravinder Raina, labeled Mufti's comments as "incorrect and deserving condemnation," asserting that Bangladesh is infamous for gross human rights violations, including assaults on minorities, abuse of women, and the vandalism of its founder's statues.

"The J&K government must address Mehbooba's anti-national statements and her conspiracies. Appropriate action should be initiated against her," he emphasized.

Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition, accused Mufti of leveraging such statements to rejuvenate her party following its dismal showing in the recent Assembly elections.

"The PDP is utterly finished, and Mehbooba is issuing such comments to provoke the Muslim community in an effort to restore her party's relevance. She is attempting to mislead the public with these statements, fully aware that Muslims in India, particularly in J&K, are secure," he stated, adding that there is no basis for comparison between the situations in Bangladesh and India.

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti referred to the November 24 Sambhal incident as unfortunate, drawing parallels between the status of minorities in India and Bangladesh.

The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir expressed her concerns regarding the recent controversies surrounding mosques and shrines.

"...Today, I fear that we are witnessing a recreation of the events from 1947. When youth seek employment, they find none. The quality of our hospitals and education is lacking... Improvements in road conditions are absent, yet efforts are underway to dismantle mosques in search of temples. The Sambhal incident is extremely regrettable. Individuals merely working in shops were shot," Mufti informed reporters in Jammu.

Addressing the uproar involving the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Mufti mentioned, "The Ajmer Sharif Dargah, where individuals from all faiths come to pray, stands as a prime example of communal harmony. Now, efforts are being made to excavate it in search of a temple."

The circumstances in Bangladesh have been marred by escalating violence against minority groups, with temples being destroyed following the arrest of a former priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das.

The global community has raised alarms regarding the situation, and India's Ministry of External Affairs has expressed its concerns about the safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh.

Concerning the Sambhal incident in Uttar Pradesh, a mob engaged in a clash with police during a survey of a Mughal-era mosque under court directives. The violence that erupted resulted in four fatalities, with numerous individuals, including law enforcement and officials, sustaining injuries.