Mehbooba’s prisoner politics is hypocrisy: MLA Langate

Srinagar, Dec 27: Senior Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad Saturday accused PDP president Mehbooba Mufti of ‘hypocrisy’ over her stance on Kashmiri prisoners.
Sheikh Khursheed said that during her (Mehbooba Mufti) tenure in power with the BJP, she completely ignored the plight of Kashmiri prisoners and instead oversaw large-scale use of the Public Safety Act (PSA) to please her alliance partner.
“Mehbooba Mufti turned a blind eye to injustice and did everything to remain in the BJP’s good books,” he said.
He further said that Mehbooba Mufti should have taken a cue from Mamata Banerjee, who stood her ground as a woman Chief Minister and spoke for people’s rights, instead of compromising principles for power.
He alleged that Kashmir was pushed to the background to fulfil personal and family ambitions, including securing a cabinet position for her brother.
Lambasting her recent statements, the AIP leader said “Mehbooba Mufti does not want the release of prisoners, but is merely demanding their shifting from one jail to another, which reflects a disturbing insensitivity.”
“Changing jails is not justice. Her silence earlier and symbolism now expose her real intent,” he added.
He said the people of Kashmir have not forgotten this record and will not be misled by selective outrage, reiterating that AIP will continue to raise the issue of prisoners without compromise. (KNO)