Bengaluru: Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, levied an accusation against the Central Government, asserting that Kashmir has been transformed into an infamously recognized detention facility akin to the American military prison, Guantanamo Bay, in anticipation of the upcoming G20 meeting scheduled from May 22-24.
From a truthful perspective, anyone who currently visits Kashmir would notice that the region, which was previously turned into an open-air prison following the abrogation of Article 370, has now undergone a disturbing transformation resembling a ‘Guantanamo’ facility. Even residential properties have been seized, with an extensive three, four, or even five-tier security presence. The situation has caused significant disruption and upheaval within households.”
Mufti questioned the viability of focusing on the G20 meeting as a means of generating publicity for the BJP, suggesting instead that a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) meeting could effectively tackle the issues plaguing the region. She proposed convening a SAARC summit to address the concerns faced by the people of Kashmir.
“Mufti Attributes China’s Opposition in Kashmir to BJP’s Abrogation of Article 370”
According to Mufti, China’s opposition to the G20 meeting in Kashmir can be attributed to the decision to repeal Article 370 of the Constitution. Mufti stated that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) had claimed that the abrogation of Article 370 would resolve all issues. However, the fact that China is now becoming involved in the Kashmir dispute, a topic previously only discussed by Pakistan, is a negative consequence that can be attributed to the BJP’s actions. Mufti credited the BJP for bringing China into the problem.
Regarding the recent ordinance issued by the Centre, which overturned the Supreme Court’s verdict empowering the Delhi government, Mufti expressed that these developments ought to serve as a profound awakening for all. She emphasized that the year 2019, particularly the abrogation of Article 370, should have served as a wake-up call, although regrettably, it did not. However, she stressed that the events that unfolded in Delhi should unequivocally serve as an awakening for all individuals. Mufti further added that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) would not hesitate to undermine any opposition government that fails to manipulate the system to its advantage.
The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir has made allegations regarding the BJP, claiming that they are engaged in the practice of either purchasing or coercing Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). She further stated that in cases where the BJP cannot employ these methods, they resort to alternative means of disempowering their opponents. The former CM warned that this pattern, witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir, is gradually permeating throughout the entire country and is expected to accelerate as elections draw near. She hopes that all individuals become aware of this situation and recognize its implications.
Mufti, one of the leaders present during the inauguration of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressed that she had engaged in a conversation with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. In her discussion, she extended an invitation to him, urging him to direct his attention towards Jammu and Kashmir, which she believes embodies the essence of Indian national identity. She asserted that the actions taken by the BJP to alter the structure of Jammu and Kashmir symbolize the initiation of dismantling the very concept of India itself. Thus, she emphasized the significance of initiating a process of repair and healing centered around this issue.
