Mehbooba Mufti: The BJP exploited the suffering of Kashmiri Pandits as a “weapon” to get votes
Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party, said on Tuesday that the BJP has used the suffering of the Kashmiri Pandit minority as a “weapon” to win votes throughout the nation. “The Kashmiri Pandits have been used by the BJP not just as a source of votes but also as a weapon.” It has weaponized the suffering of the Kashmiri Pandits to win over other people’s votes, she said.
After paying respects to senior photojournalist Roshan Lal Sharma at Abhi Guzer, Srinagar, she remarked, “The Pandit community does not have so many votes themselves but the BJP used their pain and suffering and went around seeking votes in their name, without doing anything for them.”
She said that the BJP did nothing to alleviate the agony of Kashmiri pandits and instead used their plight to get votes throughout the nation. “J&K has had a BJP-led government for the last five years.” Mehbooba said, “Those Kashmiri pandits who have lived in the valley for the last 30 years have to leave owing to circumstances. It is a straight BJP government.
According to her, there is a widespread desire in the Valley for the return of Kashmiri pandits.
“It is extremely difficult for Kashmiri Pandits to live outside of the Valley, and I believe that the people of Kashmir want them back to live with them, as they used to,” Mehbooba said.
Mehbooba, in the meantime, expressed her sincere condolences to Roshan Lal Sharma’s family and said that the late man had a lasting impact on the photographic industry. His camera caught moments that reflected history, stirred emotions, and told tales. She said that “his work struck a chord with the spirit of Kashmir, its people, and their struggle.”
Regarding the Pandits’ return to the Valley, Mehbooba said that the group does not need assistance from any government.
Along with her were Ab Qayoom Bhat, the district president of Srinagar, party state secretary Arif Laigaroo, and other others.
In addition, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and L-G Manoj Sinha paid the family a sympathy visit. But both of them declined to speak, claiming that it was a solemn occasion.
