Srinagar: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday alleged that she was placed under house arrest to stop her from visiting Sopore and offering condolences on the death of former Hurriyat Conference chairman Abdul Gani Bhat.
“The decision to place political leaders under house arrest today, just to prevent us from visiting Sopore, exposes the harsh and undemocratic reality in Jammu and Kashmir,” Mehbooba wrote on X.
Referring to the recent uproar at Hazratbal Shrine, she said the outpouring of public anger was a “loud and unmistakable message” from people pushed to the edge. “What unfolded at Hazratbal Dargah was not an isolated incident. The BJP, however, remains willfully blind, refusing to acknowledge the anguish and suppressed emotions building for years,” she added.
Controversy erupted in Kashmir on September 5 after a plaque bearing the Ashoka emblem was vandalised at Hazratbal Shrine. Several political parties accused Waqf Board chairperson Darakshan Andrabi of hurting religious sentiments by using the national emblem inside the mosque, demanding her removal and registration of a criminal case.
The former chief minister said it was now “clear” that the BJP had no interest in peace or healing in Kashmir. “Instead, they seem determined to keep the region in constant turmoil, weaponising pain and unrest for political mileage. This cynical approach is not just irresponsible but dangerous and reprehensible,” she alleged.
Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also claimed he was placed under house arrest late Wednesday night.
“It pains me beyond words that authorities compelled Prof. Sb’s family to conclude his funeral hurriedly. I have been locked inside my home and denied the right to walk with him on his final journey,” he said in a post on X, recalling his 35-year association with Bhat.
“So many others longed to pay their last respects. To be deprived of even this solace is unbearable cruelty,” he added.
