Mehbooba Mufti Urges Equal Opportunities for Kashmiri Youth After PM Modi’s Remarks on Gen Z
SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has said that there are “two Generation Zs in India,” arguing that while many young people inherit opportunities, the youth in Kashmir have grown up facing curfews, internet shutdowns, unemployment and uncertainty. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Her remarks came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on a recent protest at Jantar Mantar, where he spoke about forgiving students who used abusive language against him.
Mehbooba Mufti’s Response
In a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti said Kashmiri youth do not seek sympathy or charity but deserve dignity, equal opportunities and the freedom to pursue their aspirations.
“There are two Gen Zs in India. One inherited opportunity; the other, in Kashmir, inherited curfews, crackdowns, internet shutdowns, lost classrooms, unemployment and trauma. Kashmiri youth seek neither sympathy nor charity, only dignity, equal opportunity, political space and the freedom to dream without fear. If compassion is to define India’s future, let it begin with Kashmir,” she wrote.
PM Modi Calls for Forgiveness
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the controversy surrounding the recent protest at Jantar Mantar, where some students allegedly used abusive language against him.
He said that while the remarks were unacceptable, young people deserve an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
The Prime Minister said that instead of punishment, society should guide young people towards a better path.
“I want to forgive them. Society, too, should accept this. These children are ours, too. It is our duty to show them the right path,” he said.
He added that taking young people through prolonged legal proceedings or subjecting them to public harassment would not help improve the situation.
Debate Over Youth and Opportunity
The exchange has sparked political discussion over the challenges facing young people in different parts of the country.
While Prime Minister Modi emphasised forgiveness and guidance for youth involved in the protest, Mehbooba Mufti highlighted what she described as the need for greater opportunities, dignity and political space for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The statements reflect the views of the respective leaders and have added to the ongoing public debate on youth, opportunity and governance in the region.
