Jammu and Kashmir – Omar Abdullah Calls FIR Against Iltija Mufti a ‘Fixed Match’ Amid Political Row
Jammu and Kashmir – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday strongly criticized the police case filed against People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, describing it as a “fixed match.” Addressing reporters in Jammu, Abdullah alleged that whenever the PDP faces political setbacks or public criticism, certain agencies intervene to help restore the party’s standing. His remarks came after police registered a case against Iltija Mufti following a protest linked to the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370.
Omar Abdullah Questions Timing of FIR
While responding to questions from journalists, Abdullah declined to comment in detail on the FIR, referring to it as a pre-planned political exercise. He argued that the PDP had recently suffered a loss of credibility following controversial remarks associated with the party and claimed that the latest developments were aimed at shifting public attention.
The Chief Minister further alleged that the PDP did not emerge independently but was created with the support of certain agencies. According to him, whenever the party’s political image weakens, efforts are made to revive its credibility through such developments.
Remarks on Allegations Against Iltija Mufti
Abdullah also questioned the allegations made against Iltija Mufti, particularly the accusation that she bit a police officer during the protest. He remarked that even a young child would understand such actions were unusual, suggesting that the allegations were intended to distract people from recent political controversies involving the PDP.
His comments have added another political dimension to an already contentious issue involving both the government and the opposition in Jammu and Kashmir.
Police Register Case After Srinagar Protest
The controversy stems from a protest organized by the PDP in Srinagar on Tuesday evening, ahead of the seventh anniversary of the revocation of Article 370. According to police, party workers and leaders gathered near SK Park outside the PDP office under the leadership of party president Mehbooba Mufti.
Police officials alleged that during the demonstration, Iltija Mufti assaulted an officer who was performing official duties. Authorities claim she grabbed the officer and allegedly bit his forearm, resulting in injuries.
Based on these allegations, Police Station Kothibagh registered FIR No. 63/2026 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The case includes Sections 132 relating to assault or criminal force against a public servant, Section 121 concerning voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty, and Section 191(2) dealing with rioting. Besides Iltija Mufti, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has also been named in the FIR.
PDP Rejects Police Version
The People’s Democratic Party has strongly opposed the police action, calling the FIR a misuse of official authority. Party leaders insist that the demonstration was peaceful and intended to mark the anniversary of the constitutional changes made to Article 370.
According to a PDP spokesperson, police prevented Mehbooba Mufti and party workers from moving ahead during the candlelight protest. The spokesperson stated that Iltija Mufti later walked alone toward the main road carrying a placard protesting the abrogation of Article 370 before she was stopped by security personnel.
Party Alleges Excessive Use of Force
The PDP has also accused police personnel of using excessive force during the incident. The party alleged that a woman IPS officer, along with other officers and Iltija Mufti’s personal security officer, mishandled her while stopping the protest. It further claimed that male personnel physically dragged her during the intervention.
Following the incident, Iltija Mufti was admitted to a private hospital in Srinagar after alleging that she had been assaulted by police personnel. Photographs showing her receiving treatment later circulated widely on social media.
The PDP maintains that it has eyewitnesses who can support its version of events and has indicated that the matter will be pursued through legal channels. The party has also demanded action against those it alleges were responsible for using force against a political leader during what it describes as a peaceful demonstration.