Srinagar, 10 February (DSN): Iltija Mufti, daughter and media advisor to former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, expressed dismay over what she claimed was the “snatching of victory” from Prime Minister Imran Khan and alleged electoral manipulation. She likened the situation to the 1987 elections in Kashmir, which she described as marred by mass fraud.
In a series of tweets on her X account formally known as Twitter Ilitija Mufti as per Daily Spark News wrote, “Sad to see victory snatched from @ImranKhanPTI & elections rigged in Pakistan. For the people of Kashmir, it’s reminiscent of the 1987 election followed by mass electoral fraud. Uncanny similarities between the crackdown on Jamaat leaders then & PTI now.”, reads a tweet.
In her another tweet, Mufti lamented the enduring consequences of the alleged electoral fraud in Kashmir, stating, “Lamhon nay khata ki sadiyon nay saza payi. People of J&K continue paying a price with their lives because of the violence triggered by rigged 1987 elections. Pak army should take a leaf from our blood-soaked history to understand the consequences of manipulating popular mandate.”
Mufti’s reference to the 1987 elections in Kashmir alludes to a significant and contentious period in the region’s history. The 1987 state elections in Jammu and Kashmir, widely believed to have been rigged by the ruling National Conference party in alliance with the Indian National Congress, resulted in widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud. This event is often cited as a catalyst for the rise of militancy in the region.
Furthermore, Mufti drew parallels between the crackdown on Jamaat-e-Islami leaders in 1987 and the current situation involving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. She suggested that both instances involved suppression of political dissent and manipulation of the electoral process.
Her words underscore the long-standing impact of political turmoil and alleged electoral malpractice on the Kashmiri populace, with ongoing violence and instability in the region often attributed to historical grievances and disputed political processes.
Mufti’s comments have reignited debates about electoral integrity, political accountability, and the broader implications for democracy in both Pakistan and Kashmir. While some have supported her stance, others have criticized her for drawing comparisons between the two contexts, citing differences in political systems and historical contexts.
The Pakistani government and PTI officials have yet to respond to Mufti’s allegations. However, her tweets have garnered significant attention on social media platforms, prompting discussions about the state of democracy and governance in the region.
As tensions persist and political discourse intensifies, Mufti’s outspoken commentary serves as a reminder of the complex and interconnected nature of political dynamics in South Asia, where historical grievances and contemporary events continue to shape the region’s trajectory. (Daily Spark News)
