Mehbooba Mufti Slams Farooq Abdullah Over Pahalgam Attack Remarks, Warns Against Stigmatising Kashmiris

Srinagar, May 3: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticised National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah over his recent remarks allegedly implicating Kashmiris in the Pahalgam terror attack.

In a statement posted on social media, Mufti described Abdullah’s comments as “deeply disturbing and regrettable,” warning that such statements can intensify hostility and reinforce dangerous stereotypes against Kashmiris and Muslims across India.

She expressed concern about the fallout, stating that the words of a senior leader like Abdullah carry significant weight and could inadvertently support divisive media narratives. “This isn’t only misleading but potentially fatal at a time when students and traders from Jammu & Kashmir are already facing growing threats and attacks in different parts of the country,” she said.

Calling for sensitivity and unity, Mufti invoked the example of Himanshi Narwal, who, despite losing her husband in a recent terror attack, urged people not to vilify Kashmiris or Muslims. Mufti praised Narwal’s composure and appeal for national harmony, urging political leaders to follow her example by promoting restraint and compassion instead of suspicion and blame.