Former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for standing in support of Iran and appealed for the release of those detained during pro-Iran protests.
She made the appeal while highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties between the Iran and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting of senior party leaders and former legislators in Srinagar, Mehbooba said the party passed a resolution expressing solidarity with the people of Iran amid the ongoing crisis.
She praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for standing in support of Iran and urged them to offer special prayers for the Iranian people during the last days of the holy month of Ramazan.
The PDP chief further urged the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to release the youth detained during protests and mourning over the Iran crisis, saying the demonstrations were peaceful.
“We have a long history with Iran. Iran has been our friend in difficult times and has supported us. We are proud that Islam came to Kashmir through Iran. The people of Kashmir protested peacefully over the past few days and expressed their feelings. Hundreds of youth were detained and some are still in jail. I request the Lt Governor to release them as soon as possible,” she said.
Mehbooba added that Kashmir shares an emotional bond with Iran and termed the continued detention of the youth “not right.” She said that while some detainees have been released, others remain in jail and should be freed at the earliest.
The PDP chief added that any escalation of the crisis could have economic repercussions, including rising fuel prices and inflation, which would affect people in Jammu and Kashmir as well as the rest of the world.
