Mehbooba Mufti Calls Herself ‘Dimaagi Naxal’ While Reaffirming Support for Article 370

Mufti made the remarks in a post on X, apparently responding to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s comments on the term “dimaagi Naxals”.

“I support Article 370. I’m a dimaagi Naxal,” Mufti said in her post.

Her statement came after Rijiju sought to explain who, in his view, could be described as “dimaagi Naxals”. The Union minister said the term could refer to people who support Maoists, reject the Constitution, back separatists or support Article 370. He also referred to those advocating the separation of the northeastern region from the rest of India. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The exchange followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort, during which he referred to what he described as a new ideological form of Naxalism.

Modi said Naxalism was no longer limited to armed groups operating in forests and warned of what he characterised as an ideological influence attempting to penetrate institutions and shape policies.

The Prime Minister also called upon citizens to identify and isolate such elements, alleging that ideological Naxalism could contribute to violence and instability.

Mufti’s response appears to have been a direct political rebuttal to the definition outlined by Rijiju. By describing herself as a “dimaagi Naxal” while openly reiterating her support for Article 370, she highlighted the political disagreement surrounding the government’s use of the term.

Article 370, which provided Jammu and Kashmir with special constitutional status, was effectively abrogated by the Centre in August 2019. The move remains a major political issue in Jammu and Kashmir, with Mufti and the PDP continuing to advocate the restoration of the region’s former constitutional position.

The remarks are likely to generate further political debate in Jammu and Kashmir, where Article 370 remains one of the most prominent issues dividing regional political parties and the Centre.