SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday criticised National Conference (NC) patron Dr Farooq Abdullah for his remarks on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, calling them misleading and harmful.
Abdullah had told media that such attacks could not happen without local support. Mehbooba said his statement risked fuelling divisive narratives and could further stereotype and stigmatise Kashmiris and Muslims.
Farooq sahab’s statement implicating Kashmiris in the Pahalgam terror attack is deeply disturbing & regrettable. As a senior leader that too as a Kashmiri his statement risks fuelling divisive narratives providing ammunition to certain media channels to further stereotype &… pic.twitter.com/7gVq4Jig4r
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) May 3, 2025
In a post on X, Mehbooba said, “Farooq sahab’s statement implicating Kashmiris in the Pahalgam attack is deeply disturbing and regrettable. As a senior leader, that too a Kashmiri, his words may give certain media channels more reason to target Kashmiris and Muslims.”
She said such comments come at a time when students and traders from Jammu and Kashmir are already facing attacks and threats across India. “This isn’t just misleading, it is fatal,” she added.
Mehbooba also praised Himanshi Narwal, the widow of Lt Vinay Narwal, who was among the 26 killed in the Pahalgam attack. Himanshi had appealed for peace and urged people not to blame any community. “We should draw inspiration from her,” Mehbooba said.
Lt Narwal was gunned down in Baisaran, Pahalgam, days after his wedding. His wife’s appeal has been widely shared, with many calling it a strong message against communal division.
