People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti condemned the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday for attaching the residence of late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Hyderpora, Budgam district. This house, which served as the headquarters for his organization, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, is not only significant but also the current residence of Geelani’s 80-year-old widow.
Mufti termed the police’s actions as “unfortunate and inhuman.” Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, she pointed out that while Gandhi advocated peace, the situation in Kashmir paints its people as criminals. She stated, “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.”
The PDP chief asserted that the recent actions by the government only serve to alienate ordinary Kashmiris further. She expressed her disapproval by stating, “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.”
Mufti criticized the ruling party, highlighting their alleged insensitivity towards the elderly woman. She drew a stark comparison with how the BJP reacted to insults against ‘mother’ in Bihar, emphasizing that even an elderly widow hasn’t been spared in Kashmir.
Mufti warned that linking Geelani’s residence to state security measures only furthers the sense of alienation. She stated, “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?”
In her statements, she also drew parallels with global conflicts, stressing that even organizations like Israel and Hamas are engaging in dialogue, while Kashmir continues to be portrayed negatively. She remarked, “Even Israel and Hamas are attempting dialogue, but in Kashmir—where people stood with you in 1947—you are criminalising them. This is very bad.”
On Wednesday, the J&K Police confirmed that they attached Geelani’s residence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). They explained that the three-story structure, built on one kanal and one marla of land, had functioned as the operations base for the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat. Following accusations of spreading terrorism and anti-India propaganda, the Union Home Ministry imposed a ban on the organization in 2023. Geelani passed away in September 2022, and his burial site is located close to the same residence.
Targeting the ruling BJP, Mufti noted that the party uses communal tensions to distract from their governance failures. She stated, “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.” Her remarks encapsulated a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction among Kashmiris regarding their treatment and the measures imposed by the authorities.
