Mehbooba Mufti Warns of Return to 1947-like Communal Tensions Amid Rising Violence and Religious Disputes

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed grave concerns about the resurgence of religious and communal discord in India, drawing parallels to the violence and division witnessed during the 1947 partition. She criticized the government's alleged prioritization of divisive agendas over public welfare, stating, "I fear that we are being taken back to the situation that existed in 1947. When the youth are not getting jobs, there are no good hospitals, no education; and instead of improving the condition of roads, they are trying to demolish mosques in search of temples."

Communal Disputes in Uttar Pradesh

Her remarks come in the wake of escalating tensions in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where a Hindu extremist group petitioned the courts, claiming the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid was built on the site of a Hindu temple. This has intensified local unrest, culminating in a violent incident where police opened fire on locals, resulting in the deaths of four Muslims. According to Mehbooba, the victims were ordinary citizens, some working in local shops, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence. She termed the incident "extremely unfortunate" and called for accountability from the authorities.

Comparing India and Bangladesh

Mehbooba also drew a provocative comparison between the treatment of minorities in India and Bangladesh. "Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh, and minorities are also being persecuted in India. So where is the difference between India and Bangladesh? I do not find any difference," she said, emphasizing that communal violence and the marginalization of minorities are not confined to India but reflect a broader regional issue.

Concerns Over Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The PDP chief also voiced alarm over controversies surrounding the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, one of India's most revered Sufi shrines. Mehbooba criticized efforts to undermine the shrine's sanctity by claiming it was built over a Hindu temple. "People of all religions pray at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. It is the biggest example of brotherhood. Now they are trying to dig it up to find a temple," she said, lamenting the erosion of India's pluralistic traditions.

Broader Context of Religious Polarization

Mehbooba’s statements reflect a growing unease about the increasing politicization of religious identity and its impact on India's social fabric. She argued that the focus on religious disputes distracts from pressing issues such as unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and failing infrastructure. "Instead of addressing these critical needs, efforts are being made to deepen religious divides, which only push the country further back," she noted.

Her comments come amidst a broader context of rising communal tensions and debates over historical religious sites, which have become flashpoints for conflict. The parallels drawn with the partition-era violence underscore the potential for such issues to escalate if not addressed with sensitivity and inclusivity.

Mehbooba’s remarks have sparked significant political debate, with critics accusing her of fear-mongering while supporters argue that she is raising critical concerns about India's trajectory.