The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, strongly condemned the Jammu and Kashmir Police for attaching the Hyderpora residence of late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Thursday. The residence, which also served as the headquarters of Geelani’s organization Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, is located in Budgam district and now faces significant controversy.
Mufti expressed her concerns while speaking to reporters in Anantnag, labeling the police’s action as “unfortunate and inhuman.” She emphasized the plight of Geelani’s 80-year-old widow, who continues to reside there. “Today is Gandhi Ji’s day,” she said, “He once said he saw a ray of light in Kashmir when the whole of Asia was burning. Now the same Kashmir is perceived as criminal, with its people labeled as anti-nationals and even employees finding themselves jobless for similar reasons.”
The PDP leader argued that the government’s recent actions against common Kashmiris heighten the feelings of alienation among the people. She noted, “Geelani Sahib has left this world, but his widow lives there. You might have differences with him, just like we have with RSS ideology, but attaching his home is inhuman.” This comment reflects a broader sentiment in Kashmir, where many feel targeted and marginalized.
Furthermore, Mufti highlighted that such governmental decisions deepen the divisions rather than bridge them. “By attaching Geelani’s house, you are only widening distances. You have banned educational institutions like JEI schools and targeted madrasas; now homes are being attached. What have you made of Kashmir?” she inquired.
She also drew parallels between the Kashmir conflict and other global disputes, stating, “Even Israel and Hamas are seeking dialogue, yet in Kashmir—where people stood with you in 1947—you are criminalizing their existence. This is very troubling.”
On the preceding day, J&K Police declared the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat headquarters attached under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Officials revealed that the three-story building—constructed on a plot of one kanal and one marla near Srinagar’s Airport Road—was a site where Geelani managed his organization. In 2023, the Union Home Ministry prohibited Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, citing activities that “ foment terrorism and spread anti-India propaganda.” Geelani passed away in September 2022 at the same residence.
Targeting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mufti criticized the party for allegedly fostering societal divisions as a distraction from its failures in governance. She asserted, “They have no jobs, no hospitals, no roads. So they divide Hindus and Muslims to seek votes. I won’t comment further on Yogi Ji, Bulldozer Baba. May God grant them wisdom.”
Mufti’s statements resonate with a significant section of the population concerned about governance and communal disharmony in Jammu and Kashmir. As tensions continue to simmer, observers note that a resolution will be essential to restore peace and build trust among the diverse communities within the region.
