Latest news with #IltijaMufti
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Curious case of Zubair Bhat: Kashmiri youth's mysterious death in Delhi, flashpoint in Srinagar
Flanked by Bhat's sister and brother at their residence in Aali Kadal of Srinagar, Iltija Mufti, the daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, said Bhat had informed his sister about the police taking his Aadhaar card and assaulting him with sticks. Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti Thursday alleged that Bhat was killed after torture and discrimination by the Delhi Police and a hospital in the national capital. New Delhi: A day after allegations of torture, the Delhi Police has denied arresting 30-year-old Srinagar resident Zubair Ahmed Bhat. In fact, they say they got a call from the Safdarjung Hospital only after his admission to the hospital by the personnel attached to the police control room. The police control room, officers claim, had received a call that Zubair was showing symptoms of seizures in front of the residence of a doctor in Lajpat Nagar. 'There is proper proof. He was a 30-year-old man who was the sole breadwinner for the family. He was in the handicrafts business. The family is saying that after he reached Delhi, police personnel at Lajpat Nagar caught and beat him up and repeatedly assaulted him the next day when he went back to take back his Aadhaar card,' Mufti told the press Thursday. 'He was also asked if he was a Kashmiri. Being Kashmiri is enough for people to hang us. What was his fault that he was Kashmiri?' Mufti also alleged that doctors at a Delhi hospital denied him treatment. Chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also paid a visit to Bhat's family residence in Srinagar. 'Mirwaiz assured the family that he stands with them and the people in their pursuit of justice for Zubair. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue raising his voice against injustice and to seek accountability, so that such tragic incidents are not repeated,' his office said in a statement Friday. Ms. @IltijaMufti_ speaks to media on Zubair Ahmad Bhat sb's tragic demise in Delhi. — J&K PDP (@jkpdp) June 5, 2025 However, the Delhi Police have refuted the allegations citing no relation and engagement with him in respect to any case or proceedings. South East Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police Hemant Tiwari said there was no case or any proceedings ongoing with regards to Bhat and that the police did not question him or arrest him even for a brief period of time. 'The police had no role and link to Bhat. He was neither a suspect nor a stakeholder in any case. He was not at all arrested or even questioned by the police,' DCP Tiwari told ThePrint. PCR call by doctor & suspicion of prolonged drug abuse Explaining the sequence of events leading up to Bhat's death around 11.30 pm on 29 May, Delhi Police officers said Bhat was first noticed the same evening by a doctor in front of her residence in Lajpat Nagar area of the national capital. 'A call was made to the Delhi Police control room at 6.07 pm on 29 May when an eye specialist employed at Safdarjung Hospital spotted him with symptoms of seizures. She made a call saying that an unknown man was in front of her house and also raised suspicion about being a drug addict in the PCR call,' a Delhi Police officer told ThePrint. The PCR team picked him up from the Lajpat Nagar area and admitted him to the Safdarjung Hospital emergency department which recorded 'multiple injection marks on the left cubital fossa (front of elbow joint)' on his body, the Delhi Police officer further said. In the investigation for the treatment, doctors sought urine samples for detection of drug remains in his body, the officer further said. Another police officer said that a preliminary probe conducted so far suggests that Bhat used to be in Delhi for six months a year and was employed by a Lajpat Nagar-based businessman who used to sell Kashmiri shawls at Dilli Haat. 'He used to stay in the ground floor of the accommodation of his employer.' On the morning of 27 May, Bhat had allegedly called his employer seeking Rs 50,000 for shopping for his sister's wedding. After agreeing, the employer asked him to return to his accommodation. However, he did not go there and instead went to a hotel in the national capital but not before buying four strips of Tapentadol for Rs 2,000 from a chemist that he used to visit regularly, the police officer has said. 'Between December last year to May, he has bought Tapentadol, a well-known opioid worth Rs 29,000 from the same shop. He did not stay at his usual accommodation but instead proceeded to stay at a hotel after acquiring the drug,' said another police officer. Police officers said that Bhat's sister called him on the afternoon of 28 May, but he did not take the call. But he messaged her on Whatsapp to tell her that the police had beaten him up 'because he was Kashmiri' and taken his Aadhaar card. 'Shortly after, he said that he was in a hotel,' the officer said, adding there was CCTV footage from the hotel confirming his presence at the time he claimed he was with the Dehi Police. 'Later that night he also had to break open his room door as he had lost his key. Even that incident has been captured in the CCTV footage,' he added. The cause of death has been suspected to be encephalopathy due to drug abuse and 'altered sensorium due to drug intoxication', the police officer further said. Sources said that around 25 people who had gathered around him in Lajpat Nagar area before he was taken to hospital by Delhi Police PCR van have confirmed his status at the time the police arrived. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also Read: What is the 2017 Kotkhai custodial death case that led to life term for Himachal IGP, 7 other cops
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Terrorists came, carried out big terror attack, some mistake somewhere: Iltija Mufti
Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, on Tuesday said that for terrorists to be able to carry out the Pahalgam assault in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in a place where tourists come in large numbers indicates that a mistake has happened, and it should be investigated. In an interview with IANS, Iltija also praised her mother as "extremely peace-loving" and criticised the media for portraying her as "anti-India or non-secular." Along with the Pahalgam terror attack, she also talked about the situation at the borders, Pakistani citizens being sent back, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, etc. The following are the excerpts from the interview: IANS: 26 innocent people were killed by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. What do you have to say? Iltija Mufti: This was a dastardly attack, and we condemn it. There is no place for violence. We condemn terrorism. All of us saw how our guests -- the tourists -- were killed. Two young women, who were recently married, lost their husbands; we are saddened by it. Before being Kashmiris, Muslims, or Indians, we are human beings first, and such acts -- such as targeted killings -- break our hearts. IANS: Who is to blame for this terror attack? Do you think Pakistan was behind it? Iltija Mufti: For the last six years, since Article 370 was abrogated and the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was taken away, the entire law and order situation here -- including the security agencies, Intelligence agencies, police -- all come under the Ministry of Home Affairs. So, it is very difficult for me to speak on this matter, as they are not under my domain, nor are they under the domain of the J&K government. These are questions that the central government sitting in Delhi will have to answer. I don't think this is the right time to start pointing fingers and saying mistakes were made here or there. There must be time given for a proper investigation into how this happened. Places like Baisaran and Pahalgam see a large number of tourists every day, yet that day, terrorists came and carried out such a big attack. This certainly needs to be investigated. I don't have the authority to say who is to blame. There was some mistake somewhere -- that's why such a serious incident happened. Only after a full investigation can anything be said. IANS: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti went to Pahalgam and interacted with the locals. How do you see that? Iltija Mufti: I think the image the media -- mostly the 'godi' media -- has created of Mehbooba ji, portraying her as anti-India or non-secular, is completely wrong. If you truly look at Mehbooba ji, you'll see she is extremely peace-loving. It was very important for her to go to Pahalgam at this time -- not just for the local people, but also to show our tourists that we have always welcomed them and will continue to do so. You must have seen the visuals -- she went there, tourists were present, and photos were taken with them. We are very thankful that the tourists continue to show their trust in us. Some media channels are portraying that tourists are not welcome in Jammu and Kashmir -- that is not true. Our doors, the doors of our hearts, and the doors of our state are always open for our tourists. We welcome them with love and hospitality -- and we will continue to do so. IANS: Following this attack, Pakistani citizens are being sent back. How do you see this? Iltija Mufti: Many people have been living here (in India) for the past 20–30 years. A Pakistani woman whose son was martyred while serving in the CRPF is also living here. When her son was martyred, Home Minister Amit Shah himself visited her. There are many such cases where people have been affected. If we look at this through the lens of humanity, it is clear that injustices are occurring. That said, the government is taking steps it feels are necessary. However, in my personal opinion, we should also act with some humanity. IANS: A CRPF personnel was dismissed after it was revealed that he is married to a Pakistani woman. What do you have to say about this? Iltija Mufti: I am not very familiar with this case. If the police are withholding information, it is not my responsibility. I saw an interview with the soldier, in which he said he had informed the CRPF and security agencies. This is a personal matter concerning a CRPF soldier. An investigation is ongoing, so I cannot say much. IANS: Do you think war is an option? Iltija Mufti: Whenever there is talk of war, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are caught in between, as we are a border state. We are the ones who suffer; we are the collateral damage. However, some things are not in our control. If the government feels it needs to act in retaliation to maintain law and order and ensure India's security, that is within its domain. I cannot comment on that. I feel that war is never the answer. When PM Modi visited Russia, he said, "The era of war is over." I believe it's time to remember that. IANS: Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi has questioned the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces and said people are waiting for the "so-called 56-inch chest to act." How do you see this? Iltija Mufti: Such baseless, provocative, and instigating remarks are not right -- especially at a time when so many of our people have been martyred. Not much time has passed since the attack. I believe our politicians should exercise sensitivity when issuing statements. Why must we engage in cheap rhetoric at a time like this? IANS: You and your mother had highlighted that Kashmiris were being harassed across India following the Pahalgam terror attack. What is your take on it? Iltija Mufti: As a Kashmiri, I am very disappointed. People are suspecting every Kashmiri across India. Even in Delhi, our students and businessmen are being targeted. PM Modi needs to talk to Kashmiris -- he has left them on their own. Since 2019, the humiliation we have faced and the way Muslims are being treated breaks my heart. PM Modi is not just the Prime Minister of Hindus -- he is also the Prime Minister of Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and every citizen of India. He must rise to our expectations and protect us. But what has happened in Kashmir over the last six years is extremely disappointing. IANS: What is your take on the Waqf (Amendment) Act? Iltija Mufti: I feel that just like the people of Kashmir and the country were misled when Article 370 was repealed -- it was claimed this was being done for the development and progress of the people of Jammu and Kashmir -- that was a false narrative, full of propaganda. Similarly, look at the time that has passed since the Waqf (Amendment) Act was passed. It is sub judice, but even so, many madrasas and dargahs are being demolished. This Act is meant to disempower Muslims. People want to gather votes by demolishing mosques, so what can we say? They are indulging in short-term politics and may gain short-term benefits, but in the long term, it is an attack on the soul of our country. This is Gandhiji's country. For me, the Waqf Act is a direct attack on Muslims. It is an anti-Muslim Act. You want to snatch whatever little freedom and religious autonomy Muslims still have. IANS: What is your take on J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's meeting with PM Modi and his Assembly speech? Iltija Mufti: I feel that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have lost so much after 2019. We need to fight for a larger cause. The narrative of statehood that is being run by the NC -- which is currently the government here -- is the BJP's narrative. The NC didn't speak about the Waqf Act in the Assembly, nor did the BJP MLAs. The NC demands statehood; BJP MLAs also demand statehood. If the NC is only going to echo the BJP's line, then what is the point of people electing 50 MLAs? If you're (NC) just going to follow the BJP's narrative, then you're betraying the people of J&K. IANS: An Over Ground Worker (OGW), who had helped the Pahalgam terrorists, jumped into the river after he was taken to identify a terrorist hideout. How do you see this? Iltija Mufti: Whoever was involved in the terror attack must be punished. Justice should be served to the families who lost loved ones. But here, anyone labelled as an OGW or accused based on a narrative often comes directly from the security agencies -- and it is not always verified. We have seen this ourselves. I won't say all police officers are wrong, but whether it's the Army or police, fake encounters have happened here -- like in Bandipore, Kupwara, and even Rajouri-Poonch two years ago. So, the narrative you're being told is not always the truth. In Pulwama last week, 10–15 houses were demolished, and only one of them belonged to a suspected militant. The rest belonged to innocent civilians. I am thankful to Mehbooba Mufti, who spoke to the Home Minister and informed him that the houses being demolished were not just of militants, but also of common people -- and that this is wrong. After that, Delhi stopped the demolitions. The government cannot term everyone as a militant or OGW. You first say that after 2019, the people of J&K were integrated. Integration is not just about geography or borders, it is also emotional and psychological integration. That integration must happen too. If you look at everyone here with suspicion and hatred, as extremists or OGWs, then how will the distance between Kashmir and Delhi ever be bridged?
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
NC has joined BJP narrative despite getting large mandate in Assembly polls: Iltija Mufti
Srinagar: Iltija Mufti, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and daughter of former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has said that the ruling National Conference (NC) was not given the large mandate in elections to join the BJP's narrative on Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview with IANS, Iltija Mufti said, 'I am unable to understand the fact that despite getting a large mandate in the Assembly elections from the people, the ruling NC is only joining the narrative of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 'They (NC) have started talking about their demand for the restoration of statehood to J&K. The BJP also demands statehood for J&K. During the Assembly session, the NC did not speak about the Waqf Amendment Act. The BJP supported the amendment and the NC chose to maintain silence on this,' Iltija Mufti claimed. In the interview, while she backed tough measures by the Centre against Pakistan, she also said the government must take a 'humane' view on the women from that country who have been living in Kashmir for decades. 'There are women who have been married to Kashmiris and settled in the Valley for the past 30-40 years. How can they be expected to return?' said Iltija Mufti while talking to IANS. It must be recalled that Iltija Mufti fought the Legislative Assembly election in 2024 unsuccessfully from the Bijbehara Assembly constituency. Bijbehara is the native town of the Muftis and has been seen as a stronghold of the PDP. However, this common perception was dispelled after Iltija Mufti lost the seat to the NC candidate. Out of the 90 Assembly seats that went to the polls last year after 10 years, the PDP won just three seats -- Pulwama, Tral and Kupwara -- in Kashmir. The NC won 42 seats, the BJP 29, the Congress six, Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) 1, CPI(M) 1, Peoples Conference 1, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 1 and six Independents. Five Independents later joined the NC, while the Congress, AAP and CPI(M) supported the Omar Abdullah-led government from outside. The 2024 Assembly elections were held after August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and the state was divided into two UTs -- J&K and Ladakh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured that statehood would be restored to J&K at 'an appropriate time'.
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Backing tough diplomatic measures, Iltija Mufti seeks relief for Pak women living in Kashmir for decades
New Delhi: People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti on Tuesday condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and took up cudgels on behalf of Pakistani nationals, especially women, in the Valley facing the dilemma of returning to the neighbouring nation after tough diplomatic measures announced by the Indian government. 'There are women who have been married to Kashmiris and settled in the Valley for the past 30-40 years. How can they be expected to return?' said Iltija Mufti while talking to IANS. Advocating a humanitarian approach towards some categories of Pakistan passport, she said, 'I feel some people from Pakistan who have come and have been living for the past 30-40 years have inadvertently got clubbed with others who were intended to be sent back.' One such woman had been living for the past 50 years, her son died while serving in an Indian security force, and Home Minister Amit Shah also went to her home to pay tribute to him, she said. Iltija Mufti backed the tough diplomatic measures taken by the Indian government, as the federal government considers them important, but said, 'At the same time, looking at things from a humanitarian angle will indicate that they have not been treated fairly.' Earlier, former Union Minister Farooq Abdullah also highlighted the plight of Kashmiris who are Pakistani nationals but are based in the Valley and sought some relaxation for them as they are facing problems after the Indian government directed them to return. 'These people have been living here for 50 years. Women are married, have children, and now they are being sent to Pakistan. No one is accepting them there either. Pakistan is not accepting them. They are sitting on the border. The border is closed. Now, they are neither here nor there,' said Abdullah. Urging an early decision on the fate of stranded Pakistanis, he said, 'What kind of justice is this? Where will you send them? If Pakistan is not ready to take them, what will they do? Their children are here. They are citizens here. The Prime Minister will have to make a decision on what to do.' Taking strong measures after the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government banned Pakistani nationals from travelling to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals were also deemed cancelled. All Pakistani nationals present in the country under an SVES visa were told to leave India.
India Today
02-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Indian Air Force conducts take-off, landing drill on Ganga Expressway in UP
0:37 In an exclusive interaction with India Today, PDP leader Iltija Mufti said that Syed Adil Shah exemplifies Kashmiriyat and humanity, who laid down his life protecting tourists during Pahalgam terror attack.
