Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday dismissed the police case registered against PDP leader Iltija Mufti, alleging that the episode appeared to be a fixed match aimed at reviving the political credibility of the People’s Democratic Party.
Responding to questions from reporters in Jammu, Omar claimed that the PDP had historically benefited from what he described as the support of unnamed agencies whenever its public standing declined. He said such controversies tend to surface at moments when the party’s political relevance appears to be waning, suggesting that the timing of the incident warranted scrutiny.
The Chief Minister also questioned the police allegation that Iltija Mufti had bitten a police officer during a protest in Srinagar earlier this week, arguing that the claim strained credibility given her age and standing. He said it was difficult to accept the police version of events as presented.
His remarks came a day after Srinagar Police registered an FIR against Iltija Mufti, alleging that she assaulted and bit a police officer during a PDP protest held to mark the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370. Police have summoned her to join the investigation, while the PDP has rejected the allegations and accused police of using excessive force against its workers during the demonstration.
Omar’s remarks add a fresh political dimension to the unfolding controversy, with the ruling National Conference and the opposition PDP now sparring publicly over the circumstances of the protest and the subsequent police case. The Chief Minister’s comments are likely to be seen as a pointed political statement, given the long-standing rivalry between the two regional parties over claims to represent Kashmir’s mainstream political space.
The investigation into the incident remains underway, with police yet to record Iltija Mufti’s statement. The PDP has maintained that the case is politically motivated and has demanded a fair and impartial probe into the conduct of police personnel during the August 4 protest at S.K. Park.
