PDP Leader Iltija Mufti Asserts Right to Peaceful Protest Amid Police Inquiry

Iltija Mufti's Stand on Article 370 and Police Inquiry

On August 7, in Srinagar, Iltija Mufti, a prominent figure in the People's Democratic Party (PDP), expressed her willingness to cooperate with the police investigation. However, she emphasized that raising her voice for the restoration of Article 370 is her rightful entitlement. This statement came after she was questioned regarding an alleged attack on a police officer during a recent protest.

A case was registered against Iltija Mufti and her mother, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, following claims of assault on a police officer during a party demonstration on Tuesday. The protest was held in opposition to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019. The police have filed charges against both under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 132, 121, and 191(2).

On Friday, Iltija was summoned to the Kothibagh police station, where she underwent questioning for nearly two hours.

After the inquiry, she addressed reporters, stating her readiness to assist the police with any information they seek. She remarked, 'If there is an investigation against me, I am prepared to cooperate. I am neither the first woman nor the last Kashmiri to be called for questioning by the police.'

Iltija clarified that her struggle is not for personal gain but on behalf of all Kashmiris, asserting that discussing Article 370 is not illegal. She stated, 'As an Indian citizen, I have the right to peacefully fight for the restoration of Article 370.'

She concluded by asserting to the Indian government that her actions are lawful.