Srinagar, July 28, KDC: Political and social activist Rouf Ahmad Bhat has hailed former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti as “a voice that refused to be silenced”, saying she continued to speak on issues concerning Kashmir during some of the region’s most difficult and challenging times since 2019.
In a statement to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, Bhat made it clear that he was neither a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nor expressing his views as a partisan supporter, but as someone who believed that democracy needed leaders willing to speak even when doing so carried a political cost.
“I am neither a member of the PDP nor do I write this as a partisan supporter. I write as someone who believes that every society needs leaders who are willing to speak when speaking carries a price,” Bhat said.
Referring to developments in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, Bhat said that at a time when homes were demolished, journalists faced legal action, people were detained, religious organisations were banned and employees lost their jobs, Mufti continued to raise her voice and question those in power.
He said people were entitled to agree or disagree with Mufti’s politics, but cautioned that attempts to weaken or silence political voices could have wider consequences for democratic expression.
“People are free to agree or disagree with her politics. That is the essence of democracy. But attempting to weaken, erase, or silence a political voice that continues to speak for many Kashmiris comes at a much greater cost,” he said.
Bhat said democracies become stronger by protecting dissent rather than suppressing it, arguing that political voices questioning authority provide an avenue for people to express their concerns.
“Democracies don’t grow stronger by silencing dissent. They grow stronger by protecting it,” he said.
He added that if voices questioning those in power were gradually pushed aside, the people they represented could also find fewer avenues to articulate their grievances and concerns.
Bhat said that irrespective of whether one supported Mufti politically, her consistency in raising issues affecting people in Jammu and Kashmir could not be ignored.
“Whether one supports her or not, it is difficult to ignore the consistency with which she has continued to speak on issues affecting the people of Kashmir, often in the face of intense criticism and political pressure,” he said.
“If the voices that question are silenced, silencing the people that they represent could be next. Respect those who have the courage to speak. Respect democracy. Respect the right to dissent,” Bhat added.
The political activist also spoke about leadership and accountability in public life, saying genuine leadership should be measured by humility rather than ego.
“In public life, true leadership is not about never making mistakes. It’s about having the courage to clarify one’s intent, acknowledge public sentiment, and express regret when words may have caused misunderstanding or hurt,” Bhat said.
He said acknowledging public sentiment or expressing regret should not be interpreted as weakness, but as a reflection of maturity and respect for people.
Bhat said Mufti had remained one of the prominent political voices speaking on issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir over the years and argued that, despite differences in political opinion, a leader’s willingness to respond to concerns and clarify intentions deserved fair recognition.
“While people may have different political opinions, the willingness to address concerns, clarify intent, and respond with humility when emotions are affected deserves fair recognition in any democratic society,” he said.
According to Bhat, politics should not become a contest driven by individual egos but should remain rooted in humanity, compassion, dignity and accountability.
“Politics should never become a contest of egos. It should remain a commitment to humanity, compassion, dignity and accountability,” he said.
Bhat said he appreciated such a gesture and believed political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir should be guided by humanity, compassion and mutual respect.
“Leadership is not about being infallible. It’s about having the character to listen, the humility to reflect and the courage to put people before pride,” Bhat said. (KDC)
