Anantnag, Apr 13: Iltija Mufti, Media Advisor to former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that the upcoming elections provide people with an opportunity to express their sentiments, emotions and feelings.
She made these remarks while speaking to the media persons on the sidelines of a party gathering addressed by her and Sajmu Saqib, PDP Spokesperson, at Gopalpora in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
“The people have been unable to voice their opinions for the past five years, and these elections provide them with an opportunity to express their sentiments, emotions and feelings,” Iltija said, adding, “People are deeply upset due to the pervasive atmosphere of fear, likening Jammu and Kashmir to an open-air jail.”
She added, “These elections are crucial because there haven’t been any elections in the past five years, except for the DDC elections. It’s the first time people have a chance to elect their representatives. With no representation in the Rajya Sabha, the Lok Sabha becomes the sole space where our representatives can advocate for us.”
There is a necessity of electing genuine candidates who will address people’s problems and issues, Mufti said, adding, “Even Kashmiri politicians seem reluctant to speak out, fearing repercussions from government agencies.”
Iltija said her mother Mehbooba Mufti is the “only politician brave enough to speak up, despite facing consequences for doing so”.
“The BJP attempted to manipulate the elections by cutting the south Kashmir seat through delimitation. They wanted to weaken the voting power of the Muslim population,” she claimed.
Sajmu Saqib, PDP Spokesperson, said these elections are crucial for Kashmir’s identity, status, respect and future. “This election goes beyond common issues like electricity and drainage; they’re about protecting rights and solidifying the people’s voice to reach parliament,” he said. “People must come out and support the Peoples Democratic Party.”
