‘Nothing has worked as a balm for Kashmir’s wounds’ : The Tribune India

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Tribune Interview Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir

‘Nothing has worked as a balm for Kashmir’s wounds’

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti admits that things post the PDP-BJP alliance have not gone the way she had expected because of multiple factors.

‘Nothing has worked as a balm for Kashmir’s wounds’

Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister



Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti admits that things post the PDP-BJP alliance have not gone the way she had expected because of multiple factors. Excerpts of an interview with Arun Joshi:

How do you view the current scenario in the state?

Frankly speaking, we could not take off the way we wanted. There is trouble the world over, Muslim countries are in turmoil, the new generation is not afraid of anything. Nothing has worked as a balm for (festering wounds) of Kashmir. There is no reception to any of the measures. (Centre’s interlocutor) Dineshwar Sharma wants to talk to all, but the unleashing of so many forces is not helping matters. The situation is captive to something you are not able to put your finger on.

You were once a role model for many in Kashmir, now it is different.

There are so many challenges that when I look back, I wonder, 'Was it me'?

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said that the state government has been told to withdraw the minutes of the meeting on the tribal policy that grants unrestricted rights to encroachers on forestland and elsewhere.

It has to be seen in the context of the demolition of madrassas at some places. That’s why. It is other way round as the chargesheet clearly states that the conspiracy behind the crime was to drive Bakerwals out of the area.

Had you served any ultimatum on the Centre on two BJP ministers who were made to quit?

I was convinced that they had to go. I had spoken to the PM that they had participated in 'pro-rapist' rallies and vitiated the atmosphere. The Prime Minister was shocked to learn this.

Then, why did it take so long? The rally was on March 1 and they quit almost six weeks later.

I had taken up this issue then itself. After all, we are in alliance. It took some time.

Can you explain the term your brother and Tourism Minister Tassaduq Mufti used that BJP and PDP were partners in crime and the PDP had no moral right to be in the government with BJP.

Tassaduq was weighed down by the participation of BJP ministers in the rally of Hindu Ekta Manch.

Have the scales of justice been met with the ouster of two ministers?

This was something that had to be done for having the alliance partners on the same page for seeking justice for the Kathua victim.

You spoke of fast-track courts.

We are deliberating on it.

You have declared that you will make the death penalty mandatory for the rapists of minors. When are you going to call legislature session for that?

As soon as possible.

What is your take on Shehla Rashid and others collecting money for the victim.

It is very unfortunate. They should not be doing this.

Why are you in denial about the spread of extremist Islamic ideology in J&K?

No. We are not in denial. The radicalisation is not just confined to Kashmir. It is a worldwide phenomenon. But the majority in Kashmir still believes in Sufism and Kashmiriyat — cult of peaceful coexistence of communities. That gives us some hope.

Why is your government protecting the Rohingya in Jammu?

A. The case is in Supreme Court. It is a national issue. We will have to wait for the court verdict.

When is the ministerial reshuffle?

This month only.

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