Jammu & Kashmir: Iltija Mufti Says Hindutva Is A Disease; BJP Seeks Apology

Iltija, the daughter of PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, stirred controversy by criticizing the ideology of 'Hindutva,' distinguishing it sharply from Hinduism. She claimed that Hindutva, unlike Hinduism which promotes secular values of love and compassion, is a divisive force responsible for violence and persecution, especially against Muslims. Her comments, made during a function in Jammu, underscored the alleged misuse of Hindu religious symbols and chants in acts of violence and mob lynching, pointing towards a deviation from the principles of 'Ram Rajya' to a tool of political and social aggression.

Adding to her criticism, Iltija highlighted the plight of minorities and the use of violence in the name of religion, not just limited to Islam but now, according to her, also affecting Hinduism. She argued that the current situation mirrors the fear and prejudice once solely attributed to Islamophobia, suggesting that Hinduism is being similarly exploited to justify atrocities against minority communities. Her remarks sparked widespread debate, drawing attention to the broader issue of religious intolerance and the manipulation of faith for political gains.

The BJP responded strongly to these assertions, particularly taking offense to the language used by Iltija. Former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina demanded an apology for what he described as an attack on religious sentiments. He criticized the use of "derogatory words" and dismissed the video that prompted Iltija's comments as part of a conspiracy to sow discord between Hindu and Muslim communities. Raina emphasized the importance of respectful political discourse and the unacceptable nature of offending religious beliefs.

Iltija's commentary extended beyond the ideological clash to address the tangible impacts of the BJP's policies on vulnerable communities. She condemned the cutting of water and electricity supplies to Rohingya slums in Jammu, viewing it as emblematic of the BJP's broader agenda to marginalize Muslims, irrespective of their nationality. By comparing the harsh conditions faced by the Rohingyas with those of Kashmiri Pandits in the Jagti township, she criticized the BJP for neglecting the welfare of all communities under its governance, thereby exacerbating their suffering.

Her observations on the politicization of religious identities and the subsequent rise in crimes against Muslims in India pointed to a troubling trend of emboldened hooliganism. This environment, according to Iltija, has been fostered by the ruling party's treatment of these aggressive elements as a vote bank, leading to an increase in instances of lynching and violence. She explicitly condemned these acts, referencing a recent violent incident in Sambhal that resulted in four deaths as an example of the escalating tensions and lawlessness.

On the issue of the Rohingyas, Raina articulated the BJP's stance, suggesting that with the improvement of conditions in Myanmar, it was time for the refugees in Jammu, as well as those in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, to return to their homeland respectfully. This perspective highlights the complex interplay of regional politics, international relations, and humanitarian considerations at play in the ongoing debate over the Rohingyas' future in India.

In conclusion, the remarks made by Iltija Mufti and the subsequent responses reveal deep-seated tensions and divergent views on religion, nationalism, and the treatment of minority communities in India. The controversy underscores the challenge of navigating these sensitive issues amid the country's diverse cultural and religious landscape.