Srinagar, Jan 2, KNT: Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti on Friday criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party over what she described as systematic harassment of Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir and curbs on democratic rights within the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters, Iltija Mufti said that even the use of VPN services was being restricted and that protests were not being allowed in Kashmir. She said demonstrations against Israel are permitted across the world, including in London and Germany, but are banned in Kashmir. She added that people would not raise slogans if they were forced to chant lines meant to appease the BJP and right-wing groups.
She also criticised the power tariff policy, saying that announcing no surcharge during peak hours was not a New Year gift. “First, the prices are raised and then reduced,” she said, adding that there is no electricity even in metered areas and people are suffering due to what she termed an excessive electricity fee.
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Raising concern over livelihoods, the PDP leader alleged that shawl sellers from Kashmir were being harassed in different parts of the country at the behest of the BJP, calling it deeply disturbing and unacceptable.
On the issue of reservation, Iltija Mufti said that despite growing concerns and demands for rationalisation, the government was not ready to engage in any meaningful discussion on the matter.
She said the prevailing situation reflected shrinking democratic space and growing economic distress, urging the authorities to address public grievances instead of silencing dissent. [KNT]
