Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday defended the right to dissent, asserting that criticism of the government should not be equated with being anti-national. He also launched a sharp political attack on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the controversy surrounding Iltija Mufti as a “fixed match” aimed at reviving the party’s political credibility.
Responding to questions from reporters, Abdullah welcomed recent remarks by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who distinguished criticism of the government from criticism of the nation.
“Mohan Bhagwat sahib has not said anything that is untrue,” the Chief Minister said.
Referring to recent student protests, Abdullah said the demonstrators were raising legitimate concerns and had not acted against the country’s interests.
“The students protested for their rights and for what was rightfully theirs. Not a single thing they said was against the country. It may have been against the government, but not against the country,” he said.
He said Bhagwat’s remarks highlighted an important democratic principle.
“Opposing the government is not opposing the country. Very often, opposing the government is beneficial for the country because mistakes are corrected,” Abdullah said.
Citing alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, he argued that public protests had helped bring accountability and improve governance.
“There were irregularities in NEET. The people who had to be held responsible were identified because of this movement. Perhaps, because of this, the examination system will improve further in the future. That is in the country’s interest,” he said.
Calls for End to Action Against Students
The Chief Minister also criticised the reported action taken against student protesters, alleging that they were being harassed after participating in demonstrations.
“After Mohan Bhagwat sahib’s statement, students are being manhandled, cases are being registered against them, they are being harassed on social media, and where they themselves are not being targeted, their relatives are reportedly being called by the police in some places. I think this entire process should stop. These children have done nothing against the country, and the action against them should cease,” he said.
Referring to another student agitation in Jharkhand, Abdullah urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to engage with the protesting students and address their grievances.
“I hope Hemant Soren sahib will not ignore these students’ demands. Call them, speak to them, and if something has indeed gone wrong there, take action, just as we did here,” he said.
Sharp Attack on PDP
Asked about PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s defence of her daughter Iltija Mufti in connection with recent developments, Abdullah declined to comment on the allegations directly and instead launched a political attack on the PDP.
“Please don’t ask me to provide commentary on a fixed match,” he said.
Alleging that the PDP had repeatedly benefited from external support, Abdullah claimed the party’s political relevance had diminished over the years.
“After that incident, their image had become so weak. This party did not rise on its own; it was created by agencies. Whenever their credibility declines, attempts are made by the agencies to restore it,” he alleged.
Questioning the narrative surrounding Iltija Mufti, the Chief Minister remarked, “Tell me, is Iltija Mufti a five-year-old child that she would bite someone? Even a five-year-old knows you don’t bite people like that.”
He described the controversy as an attempt to divert public attention from more significant issues.
“This fixed match and this unnecessary attempt to fool people is only meant to make people forget what happened earlier. Unfortunately, this keeps happening with the PDP,” Abdullah said.
When asked about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and reports of allegations relating to elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister did not respond, and no further comments on the issue were available.
