Mehbooba Mufti Speaks Out: Why Indian Muslims Shouldn’t Be Treated Like Kashmiri Pandits and Her Opposition to the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025

Srinagar: Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and current president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently made strong comments aimed at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She urged them to stop the mistreatment of Indian Muslims, drawing a parallel to the historical exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s due to militancy.

Speaking at a party gathering in Srinagar, Mehbooba expressed solidarity with Muslims across India, particularly in light of the controversial Waqf Amendment Act of 2025. She emphasized that the BJP should stop using laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) to intimidate citizens. "The government needs to come down from its high horses," she said, criticizing the use of state power against its own people.

She also stressed the need for dialogue with the people of Kashmir. "You need to win their hearts first; addressing Pakistan can come later," Mehbooba added. Her message was clear: Jammu and Kashmir is vital to India, and it should be treated with respect and care.

The PDP gathered hundreds of its supporters to protest the Waqf Amendment Act, holding placards that read "We Reject Waqf Act." The assembly process is contentious, with the Jammu and Kashmir government, led by the National Conference, choosing not to address the matter in session due to legal complications.

While addressing the current political climate, Mehbooba reacted to claims made by former head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) Amarjeet Singh Dulat in his book The Chief Minister and the Spy. She hinted that connections between political families and party affiliations are nothing new, adding that allies have often switched sides, which raises concerns over political integrity in the region.

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, as Mehbooba noted that even small protests are met with restrictions. "Our attempts to protest against the Waqf Act and show support for Palestine were blocked. If a simple gathering can disrupt peace here, it shows the delicate state of affairs," she concluded.

Recent statistics from a survey conducted by the Indian Council of Social Science Research indicate that 62% of residents in Jammu and Kashmir feel their concerns are overlooked by the central government. This highlights the growing disconnect between the government and the local population. It seems clear that addressing these feelings of alienation is crucial for restoring peace and stability in the region.

For more insights on the Waqf Amendment Act and its implications, see the Parliamentary Research, which provides valuable context and resources on the legislative changes across India.

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WAQF AMENDMENT ACT, PDP CHIEF, INDIAN MUSLIMS, KASHMIRI PANDITS, MEHBOOBA MUFTI, 'DON'T TREAT INDIAN MUSLIMS LIKE KASHMIRI PANDITS…', SAYS MEHBOOBA MUFTI; OPPOSES WAQF AMENDMENT ACT