Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has criticised restrictions imposed in parts of Delhi, drawing a parallel with the curbs enforced in Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
In a post on X on Saturday, Mufti described the situation in the national capital as a “chilling reminder” of Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, which she termed unconstitutional.
She alleged that people in Kashmir had been confined to their homes, internet services suspended and the entire region placed under siege following the Centre’s decision in 2019. Mufti also accused the BJP of claiming at the time that no protests had taken place against the move.
Drawing a comparison with the situation in Delhi, Mufti referred to the suspension of internet services in some areas, restrictions on movement, halted train services and the sealing of roads leading to Jantar Mantar.
She alleged that similar restrictions could be followed by claims that no demonstrations had taken place against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
“First crush the protest, then deny it ever happened,” Mufti wrote, arguing that enforced silence was being presented as public consent.
Her remarks came amid a political debate over communication shutdowns, restrictions on public movement and the handling of protests in the national capital.
