People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has raised concerns over Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's recent visit to Kashmir, labeling the trip as “designed and deliberate” to further the government’s political agenda. Rijiju, who is the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, visited Jammu and Kashmir to review the security situation and hold meetings with local authorities.
Mufti, in a statement, argued that the visit was not aimed at addressing the genuine concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir but rather to present a pre-conceived narrative promoted by the central government. She accused the government of orchestrating such visits for political gain and to project an image of normalcy in the region.
The PDP President further emphasized that the situation in Kashmir remains far from normal, citing ongoing unrest, restrictions, and the continued presence of security forces in the region. She questioned the efficacy of the government's policies and their impact on the everyday lives of the people in the valley.
Mufti’s criticism also highlighted her party’s ongoing opposition to the revocation of Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special status. The PDP has consistently opposed the central government’s actions since the controversial move in August 2019.
Rijiju's visit came amid a time of heightened security concerns, especially with the increasing number of militants and security-related incidents in the region. The Union Minister met with security forces, local officials, and reviewed the situation in the aftermath of recent clashes in the area.
While Rijiju has defended his visit as part of his official duties to assess the security situation and ensure the safety of citizens, Mufti’s comments underline the deep political divide in the region, with differing views on the handling of Jammu and Kashmir’s affairs by the central government.
