Mehbooba Mufti urges Muslims to use vote, not protest, against CAA

Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti raised allegations on Wednesday, asserting that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) was introduced to divert attention from the BJP’s alleged failures over the past ten years. She urged Muslims not to engage in protests against the law but to respond through their votes and fight legally.

Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti cautioned the people, especially Muslims, against what she described as BJP’s ploy. She asserted that the CAA was specifically designed to target Muslims in the country.

“In the last ten years, the BJP has failed on multiple fronts, including unemployment, youth suicides, farmers’ distress, and inflation. Their attempts to divert attention from these issues and incite clashes between Hindus and Muslims are evident,” Mufti stated.

Highlighting alleged actions by the BJP government, Mufti accused them of demolishing mosques, searching for idols in mosques, destroying madrasas, and disrespecting Muslims during prayers on roadsides.

However, she urged Muslims not to fall into this trap and refrain from taking to the streets. Instead, Mufti advocated for legal responses, emphasizing that senior Muslim leaders have approached the courts, with recent decisions in favor of the people.

“It is time to respond through your vote so that tomorrow you can raise your voices against any law,” Mufti asserted.

Regarding the proposed railway project in Kashmir, Mufti urged the government to consult environmental experts before proceeding. Expressing concerns over the ecological impact, especially on apple orchards in Shopian, she called for a thorough assessment of the project’s consequences before implementation.

Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks come amidst ongoing debates and protests against the CAA and infrastructure projects in Kashmir, signaling a call for strategic and legal responses to perceived injustices rather than street protests.