At Jantar Mantar Protest, Mehbooba Mufti Links Students' Movement to Article 370

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday joined protesting students at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Apart from extending support to the agitating students and their demands, Mehbooba Mufti used the occasion to raise the issue of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A.

"What happened on August 5, 2019, was unconstitutional," she told the protesting students, referring to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A. She expressed confidence that the agitating students would safeguard the spirit and essence of the Constitution.

Notably on August 5, 2019, the BJP-led government at the Centre abrogated Articles 370 and 35-A and bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. 

Describing the ongoing students' agitation as a defining moment for the country, she asserted that India's youth would protect the Constitution and democracy.

In a post on X after visiting the protest site, Mufti wrote: "Youth power has come full circle today at Jantar Mantar. Their energy and steadfast resilience are infectious. Looking at them, one feels India is in safe hands."

Speaking to reporters, Mufti said the country was facing its "biggest test since 1947" and alleged that the past 12 years had witnessed increasing social divisions, paper leaks, financial scams, and violence.

"The youth are participating in this test. If they do not stand up today against brutality and injustice, the situation in the country will become worse than it was before 1947," she said.

She said any positive change in the country would be driven by young people and maintained that they would play a crucial role in protecting the Constitution.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti alleged that the Union Territory had been turned into "an open-air prison" and claimed that suppressing democratic dissent elsewhere could lead to a similar situation across the country.

Asked about the Prime Minister's approach to the ongoing issue, Mufti said the strength of the youth movement would eventually compel the government to respond. She also demanded the resignation of the minister concerned, saying it would provide some relief to the protesting students.

Commenting on the alleged police action against protesters near Parliament earlier this week, Mufti accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force and alleged that unidentified persons in police uniforms, without name tags, had joined the crackdown. She claimed the protesters were unarmed and demonstrating peacefully.

"I have never seen such a sight anywhere else," she said, adding that the unity displayed by the youth reminded her of "Gandhi's India."

Responding to a question about the government's reported move to fast-track court proceedings in the matter, Mufti said priority should instead be given to securing the resignation of the minister concerned, accusing the government of ignoring the concerns of students.

She reiterated that protecting the rights of the protesting youth was essential to preserving the Constitution and democracy, warning that attempts to suppress the movement would have serious consequences for democratic institutions.

Mehbooba Mufti was accompanied by her daughter and PDP leader, Iltija Mufti.