SRINAGAR: Senior Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) leader and MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, on Saturday launched an attack on PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, accusing her of hypocrisy over the issue of Kashmiri prisoners.
Addressing the media, Sheikh Khursheed alleged that during her tenure in power in alliance with the BJP, Mehbooba Mufti ignored the plight of Kashmiri prisoners and instead presided over the extensive use of the Public Safety Act (PSA) to appease her coalition partner. He claimed she “turned a blind eye to injustice” in order to remain in the BJP’s favour.
The AIP leader said Mehbooba Mufti should have followed the example of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee by standing firm on principles and speaking up for people’s rights, rather than compromising for political power. He further alleged that the interests of Kashmir were sidelined to serve personal and family ambitions, including securing a cabinet berth for her brother.
Criticising her recent remarks, Sheikh Khursheed said the PDP leader was not seeking the release of prisoners but merely their transfer from one jail to another, which he described as deeply insensitive. “Changing jails is not justice. Her earlier silence and present symbolism reveal her real intent,” he said.
He asserted that the people of Kashmir had not forgotten this record and would not be swayed by what he termed selective outrage, adding that the AIP would continue to raise the issue of prisoners without compromise.
