The landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a significant transformation. Once a hotspot for violence, stone-pelting, and anti-India protests, the region now sees a new era of development, peace, and prosperity following the abrogation of Article 370. Despite these positive changes, the dissatisfaction of those who once governed the area remains palpable.

During a revealing interview on July 2nd with The Wire, a platform often criticized for its leftist leanings, Ruhullah Mehdi, the Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) leader and freshly elected MP from Srinagar, issued a veiled warning to the Indian government. He expressed concerns that "the anger of Kashmiris over Article 370 removal" might ignite future unrest, similar to disturbances that erupted four decades after independence.

The discussion, which lasted nearly 44 minutes and was conducted by Arfa Khanum Sherwani of The Wire, showcased Mehdi articulating points that seemed to align more with the Pakistani perspective and attempts to diminish the gravity of Islamic terrorism. This narrative shift comes in contrast to what might be expected from a representative of the common people of Kashmir. Furthermore, it's noteworthy that this is the same JKNC MP who, in his first speech in Parliament last week, erroneously claimed that Article 370 was revoked by Parliament in just half an hour, a statement that was corrected by the Lok Sabha speaker who clarified that the bill was actually debated for nine and a half hours before being passed.

Ruhullah Mehdi Selectively Highlights Violent Incidents to Support the "Muslims in Danger" Narrative

Amidst the controversial remarks made by BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri, who last year labeled then BSP MP Danish Ali as a “terrorist” in the Lok Sabha, and was subsequently compelled to apologize, Ruhullah Mehdi highlights the perceived targeting of common Muslims and other ‘oppressed’ minorities. The JKNC MP referenced a specific incident in which a Dalit boy was reportedly assaulted for drinking water from a tap at a temple and highlighted the ongoing issue of Muslims being “mob lynched.” Mehdi further pointed out that Sikhs are branded as Khalistanis when asserting their rights and Christians are labeled “missionaries” accused of converting people to Christianity under the guise of social work.

Mehdi poignantly asked, “Is this what we created this country for? Is this what we gave our blood for and continue to do so?”

While condemning violence based on caste or religious identity, Mehdi notably did not discuss an incident involving a Brahmin youth who was severely beaten by Dalits and forced to drink urine. Questions arise whether Mehdi would speak out for Praveen Nettaru, who was murdered by PFI’s Islamic terrorists. It’s also pertinent to mention that pro-Khalistan slogans were reportedly raised during the farmer’s protests, and participants were seen wearing T-shirts featuring the slain Khalistani terrorist Bhindranwale.

Allegations of Christian missionaries engaging in deceptive practices under the facade of ‘Changai Sabha’ to convert impoverished and vulnerable individuals through promises of healing and financial incentives were also not addressed by Mehdi. The Allahabad High Court recently expressed concerns that if such religious conversions continue, the Hindu majority might eventually become a minority.

Additionally, although Love Jihad cases are frequently reported, they are often downplayed or dismissed by some as “hoax,” “fiction,” and “propaganda against Muslims.” However, Mehdi does not seem inclined to demand justice for the victims of these alleged Love Jihad incidents, as it does not align with his narrative.

Notably, Mehdi's remarks parallel narratives pushed by Pakistani political leaders, suggesting that Muslims, who are actually the second largest religious group in India, are under threat from a ‘Hindu majoritarian’ government. Whether intentional or not, Mehdi’s comments appear to contribute to deepening societal divisions within India.

Ruhullah Mehdi Minimizes the 1990 Exodus of Kashmiri Hindus as a Mere "Accident"

During an interview with Arfa Khanum Sherwani, when questioned about his 'secular' stance, JKNC leader Ruhullah Mehdi stated that Kashmir is secular, referring to a tragic event from the early 1990s as just one "Haadsa" [accident], noting that Muslims also suffered during that period of militancy.

"Kashmir is secular but the way attempts are being made to mold it in the last 10 years, Kashmir is not like that. An accident happened in the early 1990s when [Kashmiri] Pandits had to leave their homes due to the fear of guns. Situations were created and they had to leave their homes...their killings should not have happened but even Muslims were killed..." Mehdi said.

However, this description belies the severity of the events. The incident was not merely a "Haadsa", but a calculated and orchestrated campaign of violence that led to the mass exodus of Kashmiri Hindus. This was not an abrupt occurrence, but the result of decades-long instigation of hatred against non-Muslims (Kafirs) by JeI starting in the 1960s. During the exodus, hundreds of thousands of Kashmiri Hindus were compelled to flee their valley virtually overnight, leaving behind all their possessions. Mosques broadcasted messages urging Kashmiri Hindu men to leave the valley, abandoning their women. The ultimatum 'convert (to Islam), leave or die' (Raliv, Galiv, Chaliv) reverberated throughout the region. Inflammatory slogans such as "Kashmir mei agar rehna hai, Allah-O-Akbar kehna hai" (If you want to stay in Kashmir, you must say Allah-O-Akbar) and "Yahan kya chalega, Nizam-e-Mustafa" (What do we want here? Rule of Shariah) were also chanted, alongside calls of "Asi gachchi Pakistan, Batao roas te Batanev san" (We want Pakistan along with Hindu women but without their men).

Labeling the forced departure of Kashmiri Hindus from their homeland as merely a "Haadsa" (mishap) is a grave distortion that belittles their anguish, particularly when expressed by individuals who themselves claim to be victims of terrorism. Such portrayals aim to frame the discussion around terrorism while conveniently ignoring its origins. By selectively focusing on the killings of some local Muslims in the 1990s, there is an evident attempt to obscure the orchestrated terrorism by Islamists in the valley, intended to establish what they refer to as “Nizam-e-Mustafa.”

Among the figures central to this turmoil is Farooq Ahmed Dar, also known as Bitta Karate, a member of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). A notorious Pakistan-sponsored Islamic terrorist born in Srinagar, he has been involved in waging war against the Indian state for decades.

The role of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in shaping both the political and militant contours of Kashmir has been substantial. Established in 1941, JeI is recognized as an Islamist terrorist organization, driven by the goal of creating “Nizam-e-Mustafa”—an Islamic state governed by Sharia law. This objective aligns with the ideology of JeI’s founder, Maulana Abul A’la Maududi, a staunch Islamist who championed a theocratic state dictated by Islamic laws. The roots of JeI in Kashmir are deeply intertwined with the region's socio-political turmoil during the mid-20th century, marking a significant influence on the subsequent ideological and militant developments in the area.

Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir: A Catalyst for Extremist Ideology

The regional branch, Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir (JeI-JK), emerged as a pivotal conduit for spreading Maududi's harmful ideology. JeI-JK established a network of educational institutions, including schools and madrasas, dedicated to embedding Maududi's ideological tenets in the youth. These institutions focused on religious education that underscored the necessity for an Islamic state and governance. The organization's political arm participated in local elections and used its influence to promote the adoption of Islamic Sharia law. The Jamaat was part of the Muslim United Front (MUF) during the 1987 elections but did not achieve significant success, amid allegations of election rigging. The political setbacks experienced by the Jamaat paved the way for the rise of terrorism in Kashmir. During the 1990s, its Pakistan-backed armed faction, Hizbul Mujahideen, led by Syed Salahuddin, intensified its activities in the valley. In response to a severe terrorist attack in Pulwama, the union government officially banned Jamaat-e-Islami on February 28, 2019.

While hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits were brutally murdered by Islamic terrorists throughout the 1990s, Ruhullah Mehdi controversially refers to these atrocities as merely a “Haadsa.” Despite his professed concern for the Kashmiri Pandits, Mehdi conspicuously avoids discussing Pakistan’s significant role in fostering terrorism in Kashmir during that turbulent decade.

Ruhullah Mehdi Denies Events Portrayed in "The Kashmir Files"

The JKNC leader Ruhullah Mehdi has stirred controversy by claiming that in the last decade, a significant portion of the majority community has been incited to harbor animosity towards Muslims. He further contested the accuracy of the events depicted in the film "The Kashmir Files," challenging the veracity of several specific incidents portrayed in the movie. Mehdi questions the film’s representation, demanding clarification on what he deems as untruthful. He prompts questions about the brutal realities faced by individuals such as Girja Tikoo, a Government Girls High School lab assistant, who was reportedly gang-raped for days by five Islamists and horrifically dismembered at a sawmill. Mehdi also doubts the existence of Farooq Ahmed Dar, also known as Bitta Karate, and questions whether announcements like Raliv Galiv Chaliv (convert, leave, or die) were ever made.

Background of Political Turmoil in Kashmir

Ironically, Ruhullah Mehdi is affiliated with the political party that was in power in Jammu and Kashmir shortly before the onset of Islamic terrorism against the Kashmiri Pandits. Following the Rajiv-Farooq Accord, Farooq Abdullah returned to office as Chief Minister in a coalition with the Congress in November 1986. By mid-June 1988, there were spontaneous protests demanding the implementation of Sharia law, a move towards Islamizing Kashmir.

Between July and December 1989, under Farooq Abdullah’s leadership, 70 hardened terrorists trained in Pakistan were released. This raises questions about whether Mehdi is downplaying the Kashmiri Pandits’ massacre to obscure Farooq Abdullah’s controversial decisions.

Furthermore, Mehdi has expressed dismay over the arrest of ‘journalists’ and political ‘activists’ following the abrogation of Article 370 but remains silent on the reasons behind these arrests. Reports from OpIndia have suggested that these individuals, including Fahad Shah, Aasif Sultan, Majid Hyderi, and Sajad Gul, were detained on accusations of glorifying terrorism and engaging in anti-India activities, particularly their alleged support for terrorists like Burhan Wani

Ruhullah Mehdi Refuses to Accept Supreme Court Verdict on Article 370

During a probing interview with The Wire’s Arfa Khanum Sherwani, when asked about the status of Article 370 following the Supreme Court's decision which "settled" the matter, Ruhullah Mehdi expressed dissent, stating that a single Supreme Court judgment does not suffice for him. He elaborated that prior to the final verdict, the Supreme Court had declared that Article 370, which granted special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and restricted the Central government's legislative powers over J&K, had evolved into a “permanent feature”. Mehdi argued, “If three judgements are not sufficient for the BJP and its like-minded parties, one judgment is not enough for us…”

It is essential to remember that on December 11, 2023, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, affirmed the Modi government's action to nullify Article 370. Chief Justice Chandrachud clarified that Jammu and Kashmir does not possess any internal sovereignty post-accession to the Union of India, noting that Article 370 was a temporary measure intended to facilitate a transitional period.

While it is indeed surprising that a member elected to the Lok Sabha would reject a Supreme Court verdict, it is equally notable that Arfa did not challenge his disregard for the judiciary.

Mehdi’s rejection of the Supreme Court's ruling on Article 370 is more than a political declaration; it represents a defiance of legal and judicial governance in India. His stance resonates with the Pakistani claim that the abrogation of Article 370 is 'illegitimate', politicizing judicial outcomes and threatening to destabilize the already delicate societal equilibrium in Jammu and Kashmir.

By dismissing the Supreme Court’s decision, Mehdi not only supports Pakistan's narrative but also provides them with leverage to advance their cause on a global platform. Although Kashmir has not transformed into a "Utopia" since the removal of Article 370, there is a gradual progression towards peace and comprehensive development. Nonetheless, rehashing the Article 370 debate could provoke civil unrest, encourage separatist movements, and exacerbate societal rifts, ultimately undermining India's objectives of fostering peace and development in the region.

Ruhullah Mehdi Calls for Fight Against ‘Hindutva Extremism’

The newly-elected MP from Srinagar, Ruhullah Mehdi, has voiced a strong stance on what he perceives as a rising tide of 'Hindutva extremism.' He stated that if the opposition parties are serious about combating this form of extremism, they need to openly discuss and stand with Muslims. Interestingly, while Mehdi has branded Hindutva as an 'extremist' ideology, he conspicuously refrained from using the term “Islamic extremists” to describe the terrorists responsible for violence against Kashmiri Pandits due to their animosity towards non-Muslims.

Mehdi has ominously warned of potential violence reminiscent of the 1980s-90s, suggesting that "Kashmir’s anger came out 40 years after independence, it will happen again." This statement was made during an interview with Arfa Khanum Sherwani for The Wire, which typically features exchanges that border on the comedic. However, Mehdi's interview struck a more disconcerting note.

Amid recent terror attacks, including a notable assault on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi, Mehdi claimed that 'militancy' continues unabated in the region. He drew parallels between the recent removal of Article 370 and actions taken by the Congress party back in 1953, which also aimed at reducing Kashmir's autonomy. Mehdi remarked, "For the next 40 years, nothing happened and everyone was of the opinion that Kashmir was settled and there was no anger, no protests but later their anger burst." This perspective underscores a long-standing tension that, according to Mehdi, could lead to a resurgence of significant unrest.

Mehdi's statements suggest that the anti-India protests, calls for the Islamisation of Jammu and Kashmir, the radicalization of Kashmiri youth, and the anti-Hindu atrocities were all expressions of Kashmiri 'anger' over losing their 'autonomy' 40 years earlier. In doing so, Mehdi starkly downplays the severe crimes perpetrated by Pakistan-sponsored terrorist groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Hizbul Mujahideen, which have fueled the conflict in the valley under extremist motives.

At one point, Ruhullah clarified his stance, stating, "I am not an advocate of Pakistan." However, he criticized the indirect support Pakistan receives, implying that Pakistan does not need to directly intervene when it has proxies within the region promoting its destructive agenda for narrow political gains.

Furthermore, Mehdi issued a caution to the Indian government regarding the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, predicting future violence. He warned, "…So do not get fooled, what we did in 2019 and the [peaceful] situation in Kashmir is permanent. I am afraid of the way that anger burst after 40 years now I don’t know when will it happen now…We have made a wound which can burst anytime and when it happens it will not be good for you…I am warning… the people of Jammu and Kashmir have a sense of defeat and this silence is not good…" These comments reflect a deep concern about potential unrest, emphasizing the precariousness of the region's peace and the possibility of an escalation in conflict.

Ruhullah Mehdi presents a paradox in his statements regarding peace in Jammu and Kashmir. On one hand, he expresses a desire for peace within the region, while on the other, he urges people not to move past the abrogation of Article 370 and to resist integration into the broader Indian mainstream. Similarly, while Mehdi positions himself as a representative of 'oppressed minorities,' he simultaneously minimizes the targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s and reduces instances of Islamic terrorism to mere "anger of people." This indicates a possible shift in tactics, but with the underlying 'Maqsad' (objective) remaining unchanged.

By equating the current alleged "anger" with the terrorism that occurred in the 1980s-90s, Mehdi indirectly legitimizes violence as a viable response to political grievances. Such rhetoric not only justifies past acts of violence but also potentially empowers Islamist and separatist groups that profit from ongoing unrest and conflict. This approach risks inciting further passions and escalating tensions, which could lead to renewed violence in the region.