SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday joined protesting students at Jantar Mantar, describing their movement as a defining moment for the country and asserting that India’s youth would safeguard the Constitution and democracy.
In a post on X after visiting the protest site, Mufti wrote: “Youth power has come to a full circle today at Jantar Mantar. Their energy and steadfast resilience is infectious. Looking at them one feels India is in safe hands.”
Speaking to reporters, Mufti said the country was facing its “biggest test since 1947” and alleged that the past 12 years had witnessed increasing social divisions, paper leaks, financial scams and violence.
“The youth are participating in this test. If they do not stand up today against brutality and injustice, the situation in the country will become worse than it was before 1947,” she said.
She said any positive change in the country would be driven by young people and maintained that they would play a crucial role in protecting the Constitution.
Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti alleged that the Union Territory had been turned into “an open-air prison” and claimed that suppressing democratic dissent elsewhere could lead to a similar situation across the country.
Asked about the Prime Minister’s approach to the ongoing issue, Mufti said the strength of the youth movement would eventually compel the government to respond. She also demanded the resignation of the minister concerned, saying it would provide some relief to the protesting students.
Commenting on the alleged police action against protesters near Parliament earlier this week, Mufti accused the Delhi Police of using excessive force and alleged that unidentified persons in police uniforms without name tags had joined the crackdown. She claimed the protesters were unarmed and demonstrating peacefully.
“I have never seen such a sight anywhere else,” she said, while adding that the unity displayed by the youth reminded her of “Gandhi’s India.”
Responding to a question on the government’s reported move for fast-track court proceedings in the matter, Mufti said priority should instead be given to securing the resignation of the minister concerned, accusing the government of ignoring the concerns of students.
She reiterated that protecting the rights of the protesting youth was essential for preserving the Constitution and democracy, warning that attempts to suppress the movement would have serious consequences for democratic institutions.
