Srinagar, May 15 : Iltija Mufti arrived in Poonch on Wednesday to campaign for her mother, Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting from the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary seat. With the elections scheduled for May 25, Iltija led a roadshow from Poonch Dak Bungalow to Mandi, aiming to rally support through various programs and roadshows throughout the day.
As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) correspondent, speaking to the media on the sidelines, Iltija emphasized the developmental work carried out by her grandfather, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, particularly for the people of Poonch. She highlighted his contributions and contrasted the PDP’s approach with that of other parties, stating, “We do not work to make people fight like other parties. We do not work to divide people in the name of caste and religion. I have come to Poonch with a message of peace and positivity.”
Iltija urged the youth to exercise their voting rights wisely, underscoring the PDP’s support for them. She stressed the importance of youth participation in shaping the future, stating, “I urge the youth to use their power and vote properly. PDP is with them.”
When questioned about the ongoing situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Iltija chose to remain focused on the current elections in Kashmir. “Right now, my focus is on the elections going on in Kashmir,” she said, avoiding entanglement in broader geopolitical issues.
Addressing the significant voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir, Iltija interpreted it as a sign of public discontent with the decisions made in 2019, which included the abrogation of Article 370. “People are angry against the wrong decision taken in 2019, and that is why they are voting in large numbers,” she said and expressed confidence in Mehbooba Mufti’s victory.
Throughout the day, Iltija’s campaign efforts in Poonch were aimed at galvanizing support for Mehbooba Mufti—(KNO)
