PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said the people of Jammu and Kashmir would have to unite to fight back against the attack on their dignity and identity.
“There is no way out because of the circumstances Jammu and Kashmir are going through after August 2019, these circumstances demand that we unite. People from all walks of life, be it Gujjar, Pahari, Kashmiri, youth, women,” Mehbooba said at a party function here.
The former chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir faced many challenges post abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, including attempts at disempowerment of the people.
“We have many challenges. Post abrogation of Article 370, the situation is such that laws are being brought here to end the land (holding of locals). What is the purpose of removing stamp duty on land deals? We have to understand these things,” she said.
Mehbooba said many government employees were being accused of having terror links.
“This is done without any proof. The affected employees are scared to approach the court as they fear they will be booked and jailed on terror charges if they do so. Vacancies are not being filled as they (the administration) are waiting for people from outside to apply for these jobs. We are being disempowered and weakened. They are attacking our dignity,” she said.
Mehbooba claimed that the condition of Muslims in the rest of the country was worse than Kashmiris.
“Muslims are being attacked, and the attacks are rising daily. First, our mosques are under attack. Now they are talking about converting the Taj Mahal also into a temple. What can be a bigger misfortune!” she said.
Mehbooba said there was a systematic way in which places of worship of Muslims and historic landmarks created by Mughals were being targetted.
“What’s this they are doing. First, they broke down Babri Masjid, now, they are talking of Varanasi and the Taj Mahal. Let them take all the mosques in one go. How would it matter! Allah is where we Muslims prostrate. He is everywhere.
“They are talking about Qutb Minar, Red Fort. What all will they target? Mughals have left an indelible mark on the country’s landscape,” she said.
