Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday described the controversy surrounding the FIR registered against Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti as a “fixed match”, alleging that the issue was being used to divert public attention from remarks made by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
According to reports, Itoo said the focus on the FIR against Iltija Mufti was an attempt to shift attention from Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks, which triggered criticism and for which the PDP president later apologised.
The statement comes amid an escalating political confrontation between the ruling National Conference and the PDP over the FIR registered against Iltija Mufti following a PDP demonstration against the abrogation of Article 370.
Police have alleged that Iltija Mufti assaulted a police officer during the protest and subsequently registered a case in connection with the incident. Iltija, however, has rejected the allegation and accused police personnel of manhandling her during the demonstration.
The conflicting versions of the incident have added another layer to the political dispute between the two parties.
The controversy gained further momentum following Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks at Jantar Mantar, where the PDP president was participating in a protest linked to the political and constitutional issues surrounding Jammu and Kashmir. Her comments subsequently drew criticism, prompting her to issue an apology.
Itoo alleged that the renewed focus on the FIR involving Iltija Mufti was intended to overshadow the controversy surrounding Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks.
The remarks by the Education Minister are likely to intensify the ongoing political exchanges between the National Conference and the PDP, with both parties continuing to differ sharply over the abrogation of Article 370, restoration of statehood and the political future of Jammu and Kashmir.
