Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and current president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti criticized the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday for attaching the property of late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. This residence in Hyderpora, Budgam district, served not only as Geelani’s home but also as the headquarters of his political outfit, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Mufti described the police’s actions as “unfortunate and inhuman.” She highlighted the plight of Geelani’s 80-year-old widow, who still resides in the house. During her comments, she referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, stating, “Today is Gandhi Ji’s day. He once said he saw a ray of light in Kashmir when the whole of Asia was burning. Now the same Kashmir is seen as criminal, its people as criminals, their homes and businesses as criminals. Even employees are being sacked by labelling them anti-nationals.”
Mufti accused the government of alienating ordinary Kashmiris by criminalizing their very existence. She argued, “Geelani Sahib has left this world, but his widow lives there. You might have differences with him, just as we have with RSS ideology, but attaching his home is inhuman. The BJP protested across Bihar over an insult to ‘mother’, but here even an 80-year-old widow has not been spared.”
The PDP chief issued a dire warning that such measures will only exacerbate the widening gap between the people of Kashmir and the Indian state. “By attaching Geelani’s house, you are not reducing distances but widening them. You banned JEI schools, you targeted madrasas, now you attach homes. What have you made of Kashmir?” she posed, emphasizing the detrimental impact of these policies.
In her criticism, Mufti drew parallels with ongoing global conflicts, indicating that even groups like Israel and Hamas are engaging in dialogue while the Indian state continues to view the Kashmiris as adversaries. “Even Israel and Hamas are attempting dialogue, but in Kashmir—where people stood with you in 1947—you are criminalizing them. This is very bad,” she remarked.
On a technical note, the Jammu and Kashmir Police confirmed that the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat headquarters was attached due to violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Reports indicate that the three-story structure sits on one kanal and one marla of land, strategically located along Srinagar’s Airport Road, and had been used by Geelani to orchestrate his political operations.
In a startling move, the Union Home Ministry had banned the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat in 2023, citing its role in fomenting terrorism and anti-India sentiment. Geelani, who led the Hurriyat Conference, passed away at the same residence in September 2022 and was buried in a nearby area.
Shifting her focus to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mufti condemned the party for propagating communal tensions to mask its governance failures. She lamented, “They have no jobs, no hospitals, no roads. So they divide Hindus and Muslims to seek votes. What should I say about Yogi Ji, Bulldozer Baba? May God give them wisdom,” reflecting the growing dissatisfaction toward the administration’s performance.
Mufti’s comments come at a time of heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, as the police crackdown on separatist activities continues. She has positioned herself as a vocal critic of the current government’s policy towards the region, vowing to defend the rights of Kashmiris amidst increasing control measures.