New Delhi:
In discussion with NDTV Editorial Director Sonia Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti spoke about terrorism, Islam and democracy.
Here are the highlights:
Mehbooba Mufti- Gender should have nothing to do with your ability and performance. We are beyond that.
- Tolerance is the strength of our country. There are some fringe elements who are misusing Hinduism in India.
- I think Bihar election has done a great job. Bihar polls answer to 'Go To Pakistan Remarks.'
Sonia Singh- What about ISIS flags in Kashmir?
Mehbooba Mufti- These ISIS flags are just to catch attention. These ISIS people, they are destroying everything Islam holds dear. That's why I think Kashmiris will never get swayed by that. The Kashmiri boys are innocent.ISIS talks about rapes, pillaging...that's complete anti-thesis of Islam.
- Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of India has to go beyond ownership of land. The negative image projected by the media undermines the dignity of Kashmiris. No channel bothered there to show 25,000 people turn up for Independence Day.
Sonia Singh- Would you like your daughter to join politics?
Mehbooba MuftiSonia Singh- What about ruling coalition in the state?
Mehbooba Mufti- My father partnered with the BJP because Mr Modi has come with such a huge mandate and he has often said he wants to follow Mr Vajpayee's policy.
Sonia Singh- Do you think he's done that?
Mehbooba Mufti- Well, he's coming around to it.
- If we want to deal with terrorism, we have to have cooperation with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh.
- We need to be wholesome and accommodating about these things (relations with Pakistan).
- Our government is very serious about rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits.
Sonia Singh- Do you believe Article 370 should be repealed ? (audience question)
Mehbooba Mufti- No fiddling with Article 370. It is a unique state , different in every way from other states. If Kashmiris chose to be part of India, we need to be treated specially. If there is Article 370, then we will have a more stronger bond with India.
Sonia Singh- ISIS is against Islam, still why younger Muslims are attracted towards it? (audience question)
Mehbooba Mufti- ISIS plays up Afghanistan, Iraq war victimhood. ISIS is cashing on this general feeling of victimhood. We should not be influenced by ISIS so much that start suspecting every Muslim. Indian Muslims should be saluted.