Iltija Mufti is the daughter of one of Kashmir’s most prominent politicians Mehbooba Mufti. She is also subjected to the Kashmir’s turmoil. The clampdown imposed on the Kashmiris has angered them to the point that they are like a volcano that is waiting to erupt anytime soon.
Kashmiris are denied of their rights. It is the 12th day that they are spending without mobile phones, internet connection, and landline services. “You have tied them up like animals. But they are not animals; they are human beings’’, Iltija Mufti said.
Despite all the restrictions, Iltiji Mufti managed to write to India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah on Thursday saying that, “Is it a crime to articulate pain, torment, and indignity we have been subjected to?’’ She further told that Kashmiris’ can’t speak in their favour, they can’t even go out to have fresh air. They are confined to their homes. In short, they are being caged like animals by the Indian government.
She goes on and told that a military van waits in front of the gate outside her home. And every time she steps into her garden for fresh air, the man informs the Indian men on the walkie talkie that she has stepped outside. Furthermore, four female officers are also present there to grab her if she attempts to run.
Iltija Mufti misses her mom and is dying to meet her. It is more than 11 days since the Indian armed men arrested her mother. ‘’I miss her terribly, and there are times when I dream of her and imagine us in happier times’’, speaks Iltija Mufti in a recent interview. What else can be more heart-wrenching than seeing your mother getting arrested for no reason, and then you have no idea what the Indian barbarians will do to her.
People of Indian occupied Kashmir wonder why they are being punished, why they are warned of the dire consequences. They are in despair at the moment. However, Iltija Mufti has taken a bold step to raise her voice when her State is in turmoil. She pleads for International help and for Kashmiri’s she says, ”they have no choice but to be calm and take collective action.’’
Now, she is not afraid of being murdered or jailed, but she is satisfied that at least she stood up for her fellow brothers and sisters when they are stranded in IoK.
Click on the video to hear her!
