Srinagar, Aug 07: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday defended the right to dissent, saying criticism of the government should not be equated with being anti-national, while also taking a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the controversy involving Iltija Mufti as a “fixed match” orchestrated to restore the party’s credibility.
Responding to questions from reporters, Omar welcomed remarks by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat distinguishing criticism of the government from criticism of the nation.
“Mohan Bhagwat sahib has not said anything that is untrue,” Omar said.
Referring to recent student protests, he said, “The students protested for their rights and for what was rightfully theirs. Not a single thing they said was against the country. It may have been against the government, but not against the country.”
He added that Bhagwat had recognised an important distinction. “Opposing the government is not opposing the country. Very often, opposing the government is beneficial for the country because mistakes are corrected.”
Citing alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, Omar said the protests had helped bring accountability.
“There were irregularities in NEET. The people who had to be held responsible were identified because of this movement. Perhaps, because of this, the examination system will improve further in the future. That is in the country’s interest,” he said.
The Chief Minister also criticised action taken against student protesters, alleging they were being harassed after the protests.
“After Mohan Bhagwat sahib’s statement, students are being manhandled, cases are being registered against them, they are being harassed on social media, and where they themselves are not being targeted, their relatives are reportedly being called by the police in some places. I think this entire process should stop. These children have done nothing against the country, and the action against them should cease.”
Referring to another student agitation, Omar said students had been protesting for 14 days over alleged examination irregularities in Jharkhand and urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to engage with them.
“I hope Hemant Soren sahib will not ignore these students’ demands. Call them, speak to them, and if something has indeed gone wrong there, take action, just as we did here,” he said.
When asked about PDP president Mehbooba Mufti defending her daughter Iltija Mufti over recent developments, Omar declined to engage directly and instead launched a sharp political attack on the PDP.
“Please don’t ask me to provide commentary on a fixed match,” he said.
Claiming the PDP’s political standing had weakened, Omar alleged that the party was repeatedly being revived by central agencies.
“After ‘that incident’, their image had become so weak. This party did not rise on its own; it was created by agencies. Whenever their credibility declines, attempts are made by the agencies to restore it.”
Questioning the narrative surrounding Iltija Mufti, Omar remarked, “Tell me, is Iltija Mufti a five-year-old child that she would bite someone? Even a five-year-old knows you don’t bite people like that.”
Calling the episode an attempt to distract public attention, he added, “This fixed match and this unnecessary attempt to fool people is only meant to make people forget what happened earlier. Unfortunately, this keeps happening with the PDP.”
Omar was also asked for his assessment of the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where, according to the reporter, India had been blamed over allegations of rigged elections in Jammu and Kashmir. His response was not included in the available transcript.
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