Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti condemned the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday for attaching the Hyderpora residence of late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The property, located in Budgam district, served as the headquarters for his organization, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.
Mufti described this action as “unfortunate and inhuman.” This residence is now home to Geelani’s 80-year-old widow, who continues to live there amidst growing tensions in the region. In comments made to journalists at Anantnag, Mufti referenced Mahatma Gandhi, stating, “Today is Gandhi Ji’s day. He saw a ray of light in Kashmir when the whole of Asia was burning. Now this same Kashmir is viewed as criminal, and its people are seen as criminals, with their homes and businesses targeted as well.”
She accused the government of criminalizing ordinary Kashmiris. “Geelani Sahib has left this world, but his widow lives there. You may have differences with him, just as we do with RSS ideology, but attaching his home is inhuman. The BJP protests over insults to ‘mother’ but shows no mercy to an 80-year-old widow,” Mufti stated.
Mufti highlighted that such measures only serve to deepen the already existing alienation in Kashmir. She argued, “By attaching Geelani’s house, you are not reducing distances but widening them. You have banned JEI schools, targeted madrasas, and now you are attaching homes. What have you made of Kashmir?”
In her comments, she drew parallels with global conflicts, saying, “Even Israel and Hamas are attempting dialogue, but in Kashmir—where people stood by you in 1947—you are criminalizing them. This is very bad.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Police had announced the attachment of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat headquarters under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) the day before. Officials confirmed the three-story building occupies one kanal and one marla of land along Srinagar’s Airport Road and was formerly utilized by Geelani to run the separatist outfit. The Union Home Ministry banned Tehreek-e-Hurriyat in 2023, citing allegations of fomenting terrorism and spreading anti-India sentiments.
During her address, Mufti targeted the BJP, accusing the ruling party of instigating communal strife to mask its governance failures. “They offer no jobs, no hospitals, and no roads. Instead, they divide Hindus and Muslims to gain electoral advantage. What can I say about Yogi Ji, Bulldozer Baba? May God give them wisdom,” Mufti remarked.
As tensions escalate, the attachment of Geelani’s residence raises questions about the future of Kashmir’s political landscape. The PDP urges a reassessment of governmental tactics that seek to alienate the population rather than foster a dialogue.