Has Mehbooba Been able to Contain the Kashmir Turmoil?

The Quint brings forth a debate about the manner in which Mehbooba Mufti has managed the Kashmir crisis.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visits polling booths during by-elections to Anantnag assembly seat in Kashmir on 22 June 2016. (Photo: IANS)

As the curfew in Kashmir continues for the 50th day with the death toll rising to 69, The Quint brings to its readers a view and a counter view to how the situation in the Valley bodes for its Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. The unrest that followed Hizbul commander, Burhan Wani’s killing in July has presented an unprecedented challenge for Mehbooba as she is fraught with the daunting task of not only controlling the protesters and stone pelters, but also dovetailing Delhi’s approach in as far as curbing the violence is concerned.

The Quint contributor Jehangir Ali is critical of Mehbooba Mufti in his piece; what is even more disconcerting is the fact that unlike the Chief Minister’s assurance of reaching out to the Hurriyat, the Centre is yet to take a decision on this front. As Delhi continues to dither, how will the PDP-led government handle the fallout of uprising that has taken the entire Valley in its grip? Here are the main arguments from the article:

• Mehbooba’s outburst was not spontaneous, it comes in the backdrop of a disturbing situation on the ground which has shown little improvement.
  
• With the separatist leadership refusing to relent as far as carrying out protests is concerned, any significant announcement from the Centre may further complicate the situation.
  
• Mehbooba Mufti is standing alone on a slippery ground and her job is only going to get tougher in the coming days.
  

You can read the complete article here.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti address a press conference in Srinagar, 25 August 2016. (Photo: IANS)

In a contrarian piece, senior journalist David Devadas has lauded Mehbooba Mufti for unveiling her feisty side, something she has been known for in the past as well. After all, the restive youth across the Valley needed some sort of assurance from the State, and if aggression assuages the people, so be it. Though Mufti Senior was not in favour of impulsive outbursts when it came to sensitive issues, Mehbooba has been known in the corridors of power for being emphatic and demanding when it comes to accountability.

Here are the main arguments from the article:

• Mehbooba Mufti is known to speak out with passion on issues she feels strongly about, even about arguably minor things such as ration quotas, or electricity rates.
  
• Her recent aggressive demeanour at a press conference has been welcomed by the insightful Kashmiri youth.
  
• It was about time the Chief Minister unveiled her characteristic feistiness. It was ironically appropriate that she did it while facing the press.
  

You can read the complete article here.

Also read: Unlike 2010, Coordination between Forces in Kashmir Augurs Well