Mehbooba Mufti Cites Youth Protest as Rebirth of Gandhian Ideals in National Politics
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has lauded the Cockroach Janta Party for rejecting sectarian divides during recent demonstrations. She argues the youth-led movement successfully reclaimed a non-violent vision for India despite state pressure.
A Shift from Divisive Rhetoric
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti declared on Saturday, July 25, 2026, that the youth of India have effectively resurrected Mahatma Gandhi’s foundational vision for the nation. Speaking at Jantar Mantar in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Mufti celebrated the group's ability to maintain a month-long protest despite going without food and facing police intervention.
Human Rights and Institutional Decay
Mufti suggested that the current atmosphere of dejection has been countered by a generation focused on the country's future rather than religious friction. According to the former Chief Minister, the CJP’s movement represents a rejection of the Hindu-Muslim binary that has dominated recent political discourse. She noted several specific grievances and demands:
- Financial compensation for the families of students who died by suicide.
- A formal apology for alleged police brutality against young activists.
- A halt to the harassment of Kashmiri students residing in other parts of India.
Mufti warned that the erosion of constitutional promises and the weakening of democratic institutions, which she claims began in Kashmir, now threaten all citizens. She argued that the suppression of minority rights serves as a precursor to the silencing of every voter.
Critique of Gender Policy and Religious Freedom
Addressing the treatment of Muslim women, the PDP leader highlighted a disconnect between international diplomacy and domestic reality. Mufti criticized the administration for praising Islamic heritage during foreign visits while ignoring the local harassment of women wearing hijabs or burqas. She emphasized that genuine empowerment requires guaranteeing religious freedom and dignity at home rather than using it as a slogan for global audiences. Mufti concluded by stating that the unity displayed at Jantar Mantar is the essential defense for India's democratic soul and the protection of basic humanity.
Source: The Hindu — Home
