‘Without pluralism, secularism, J&K’s future looks bleak’

On a changing India and the rise of right wing

The fruits of polarising the electorate has translated into massive gains for some parties. But these come at a heavy cost to the nation — the destruction of our social fabric where every citizen has the same rights to practice his religion and uphold his faith without being treated with contempt and malice. A day will come when Indians will realise that these forces have exploited them and that will be the day this trend will settle.

On how Kashmir is reacting to the shift to right

The people of J&K cannot make peace with the direction in which the country is being led. As India’s only Muslim-majority state, J&K’s position in a radicalised, right-wing ruled India is precarious and contradicts the basis of our accession and association. The future of Kashmir will depend on lots of different factors — most importantly, the relation between India and Pakistan and the survival of secularism and pluralism. Without secularism and pluralism being upheld in the country, Kashmir’s future looks bleak.

On the PDPBJP alliance

The people of J&K feel cheated. They believe PDP took them for a ride by seeking votes on the plank of stopping BJP from entering the State only to align with them after the elections. Because of PDP’s betrayal, alienation has increased and our youth have been pushed farther from the idea of an institutionalised mainstream. They have left the youth sceptical about the future and we are witnessing an increase in local young boys again choosing the path of militancy.

On increasing radicalisation in Valley

We need to protect our society from the implications of PDP’s sell-out. Young men who feel duped are getting radicalised and PDP is answerable. The increase in young local boys yet again choosing the path of militancy is a consequence of what PDP has done with the mandate it got in 2014.