Peeved by the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s recent action, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti condemned the attachment of late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s residence in Hyderpora. This residence, serving as his home and the headquarters for his political outfit, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, is located in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. The police’s decision, announced on Thursday, has rekindled debates over human rights and governance in the region.
In a press conference held in Anantnag, Mufti called this action “unfortunate and inhuman,” especially considering that Geelani’s 80-year-old widow continues to reside there. She remarked, “Today is Gandhi Ji’s day. He once said he saw a ray of light in Kashmir when the whole of Asia was burning. Now the same Kashmir is seen as criminal, its people as criminals, their homes and businesses as criminals.” These comments highlight the ongoing tensions in Kashmir and shed light on the sufferings of ordinary Kashmiris.
Mufti accused the government of criminalising the lives of everyday citizens in the region. “Geelani Sahib has left this world, but his widow lives there. You might have differences with him, just as we have with RSS ideology, but attaching his home is inhuman. The BJP protested across Bihar over an insult to ‘mother’, but here even an 80-year-old widow has not been spared,” Mufti asserted. She emphasized that these actions deepen alienation rather than foster reconciliation.
Mufti elaborated on the repercussions of such actions, noting, “By attaching Geelani’s house, you are not reducing distances but widening them. You banned JEI schools, you targeted madrasas, now you attach homes. What have you made of Kashmir?” Her words resonate with many in the region who feel increasingly isolated and marginalized.
The police announced that the action against Geelani’s residence occurred under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), stating that the property, a three-story building on one kanal and one marla of land along Srinagar’s Airport Road, was previously used by Geelani to lead his political activities. In a significant development, the Union Home Ministry officially banned Tehreek-e-Hurriyat in 2023 due to its alleged involvement in fostering terrorism and anti-India propaganda.
Mufti compared the situation in Kashmir with global conflicts, arguing, “Even Israel and Hamas are attempting dialogue, but in Kashmir—where people stood with you in 1947—you are criminalising them. This is very bad.” Her appeal for dialogue resonates with those yearning for peace amidst persistent unrest.
Targeting the ruling BJP, Mufti accused the party of instigating communal tensions to distract from its governance failures. She exclaimed, “They have no jobs, no hospitals, no roads. So they divide Hindus and Muslims to seek votes. What should I say about Yogi Ji, Bulldozer Baba? May God give them wisdom,” emphasizing the political strategy that she believes the party employs.
This incident and the subsequent criticism from the PDP president highlight the simmering tensions in the region. Many observers fear that actions like attaching Geelani’s home only exacerbate feelings of disenfranchisement among Kashmiris. As political disputes deepen, the call for a return to dialogue remains more urgent than ever amidst ongoing clashes.
