Srinagar, July 29: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday evening, in an event, recalled the contribution of Indira Gandhi and claimed that the former prime minister is India for her. Praising Indira Gandhi, Mufti said, “To me, India is Indira Gandhi. Maybe some people won’t like it but she was India, while I was growing up she represented India for me.” She was addressing the media persons at a conference – “Under-standing Kashmir” – organised by the Bureau of Research on Industry & Economic Fundamentals (BRIEF) in the national capital.
She further added the idea of India projected by TV anchors does not match the India in which she was raised. Mufti added, “I am sorry to say that the image of India which the (TV) anchors project is not what India is about, is not the India I know.”
Demanding a more a comprehensive and cohesive approach towards resolving the Kashmir issue, Mehbooba was quoted by IANS as saying, “I want to see that India which cries, feels the pain of Kashmir. The India that embraced us on our terms. We are a diverse state with all kinds of multi-diversity of religion and everything. Kashmir is a mini India in India.”
Reflecting on the statements of revoking Article 35A, Mufti said the measure will only increase alienation in the valley. She said, ” The people questioned the special flag of Jammu and Kashmir but they tend to forget it was given to us by the Constitution of India. We unfurl both flags but if it is tampered with, no body will shoulder the Indian flag in Kashmir in future”.
