‘What difference between India and Bangladesh?’ Mehbooba Mufti on Sambhal violence

Mufti’s remarks have intensified the ongoing debate over religious tolerance, interfaith harmony, and the treatment of minorities in both India and Bangladesh.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has condemned the recent violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, drawing a parallel between the clashes and the ongoing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. Mufti expressed her concern over the violence, which erupted after a mosque survey in the region, leading to the deaths of four people and injuries to dozens, including police officers and officials.

Calling the incident "unfortunate," Mufti criticized the rising claims regarding mosques and religious sites, which she believes are creating tensions and diverting attention from critical issues like unemployment, healthcare, and infrastructure. "Today, I fear we are heading towards a situation like the one in 1947. When the youth talk about jobs, they don't get them. We lack proper hospitals, education, and infrastructure. Yet, instead of addressing these issues, there is a focus on demolishing mosques in search of temples," Mufti said, according to ANI.

The PDP chief further drew a comparison between the situation in India and the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. "Atrocities are being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh. If similar acts are carried out against minorities in India, what difference is there between India and Bangladesh?" she questioned. Mufti also expressed concern over attempts to search for a temple at Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a site known for its interfaith significance. "Ajmer Sharif Dargah is an example of brotherhood, where people from all religions come together to offer prayers. Now, efforts are being made to dig into it in search of a temple," she remarked.

The violence in Sambhal and other parts of Uttar Pradesh has raised alarms about growing communal tensions in the region. In a related development, violence targeting Hindu temples has also been reported in Bangladesh. On Friday, a mob attacked three Hindu temples in Chattogram after sedition charges were filed against a former Iskcon priest. The targeted temples included the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, Shani Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. Such attacks on religious sites have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and India.

Mufti’s remarks have intensified the ongoing debate over religious tolerance, interfaith harmony, and the treatment of minorities in both India and Bangladesh.