Mehbooba slams BJP govt for 'embracing' Taliban

Srinagar, Oct 12 (PTI) PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday targeted the BJP-led government at the Centre, saying "embracing Taliban" while "targeting" Muslims of India is a stark reminder of the "internal hypocrisy" of the party.

Her remarks came at a time when India has decided to upgrade its ties with Afghanistan and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is visiting India.

"In the name of 'Love Jihad,' 'Land Jihad,' 'Vote Jihad' and 'Cow Jihad, the BJP has repeatedly targeted its own Muslim population propagating narratives that demonize them. At the same time India the mother of democracy under BJP has decided to embrace Taliban the harbinger of jihad," she charged in a post on X.

She said India has chosen to extend all kinds of aid to rebuild Afghanistan, including offering educational scholarships, to Afghan students.

"While fostering good relations with Afghanistan may be strategically important it raises a glaring contradiction - India's own Muslim population who have contributed to the nation's independence, identity and progress are being systematically marginalised," the PDP president charged.

The BJP's withdrawal of scholarships for Muslim students and closing madrasas "is a stark reminder of this internal hypocrisy," she added.

Mehbooba, a former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, said maintaining international relationships is vital, but the foundation of a stable and harmonious nation lies in fostering trust, respect and equality within its own borders, particularly with its minority community.

"Hope Bulldozer Baba is listening!" she remarked in an apparent swipe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Later, while addressing a party workers' convention here, Mehbooba said New Delhi used to describe the Taliban as terrorists, but was now engaging with them.

"I want to tell Delhi that you used to describe Taliban as terrorists but are now talking to them. So, why this animosity with your own people? Why have you trampled your own people? Why have you trampled the Kashmiris and why are you not allowing them to talk. You talk to Taliban," she said.

The PDP president alleged that the beards of Muslims in the country was shaved and their caps thrown away, "but today they (Taliban) have come here with long turbans and you are standing in front of them with your hands folded".

"It is good if the country benefits from talking to Taliban and having good relations with them. But first win the hearts of the Muslims in India whose mosques, schools and houses you destroy," she added.

She accused the government of making the lives of the people of Kashmir difficult. PTI SSB NB NB