Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday described the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as the outcome of a peaceful, youth-led agitation at Jantar Mantar, calling it a victory for democratic values and Gandhian methods of protest.
Speaking to reporters, Mehbooba said the students had sustained their protest for more than a month despite hardship, choosing non-violence and adhering to the principles of Mahatma Gandhi.
“The youth who have been hungry and thirsty for over a month were protesting at Jantar Mantar. They did not resort to violence; they followed the Gandhian way. Today, with Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, their struggle has succeeded,” she said.
The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said the movement had renewed her faith in the country’s future, asserting that the younger generation had rejected divisive and communal politics.
“I think they have completely rejected divisive politics based on Hindu-Muslim lines. The youth have given me hope. The future of India is in safe hands,” she said.
Mehbooba also referred to the participation of Kashmiri students in the protest, alleging that those often branded as separatists or anti-national were welcomed by fellow demonstrators, who listened to their concerns.
Backing the continuation of the agitation, she said the protesters’ remaining demands were legitimate. These include compensation for the families of victims, withdrawal of FIRs registered against peaceful demonstrators, and a public apology from the government over the alleged use of force by police.
“The current generation understands the situation better than us. Their demands are justified. They protested peacefully, so no FIRs should have been registered against them. The government should also apologise for the way they were allegedly beaten. I do not think there is any demand that should not be accepted,” she said.
Mehbooba further expressed hope that the solidarity shown towards Kashmiri students during the protest would help address what she described as the discrimination and hardships faced by them in colleges and universities outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Mehbooba Mufti had visited Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 23, accompanied by her daughter and PDP leader Iltija Mufti, to express solidarity with students protesting against examination scams and paper leaks. During the visit, she backed their demands for greater fairness, transparency and accountability in national examinations, including NEET.
