‘Fear Is Sanctioned by System’: Mehbooba Mufti on Alleged Assault of Muslim Journalists

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday criticised the alleged assault of two Muslim women journalists inside a police station in Delhi, saying the incident had exposed what she described as a contradiction in RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s assertion that Muslims are an “inseparable part” of India.

In a post on X, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said Bhagwat’s remarks made during his visit to the United States appeared to “ring hollow” following the alleged incident involving the journalists.

“RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's assertion in America that Muslims are an inseparable part of India rings hollow once again after the alleged assault of two Muslim women journalists inside a Delhi police station,” Mehbooba said.

She argued that the issue went beyond attacks allegedly carried out by individuals or groups and raised concerns about the conduct of authorities entrusted with protecting citizens.

According to Mehbooba, the alleged incident represented a more serious concern because it involved law enforcement personnel, who are expected to uphold the rights and safety of citizens irrespective of their community.

“This is no longer just about fanatic mobs lynching Muslims over allegations of cow slaughter. It is about those entrusted with protecting citizens allegedly weaponising their authority to beat, humiliate and intimidate minorities,” she said.

Mehbooba further alleged that when institutions responsible for maintaining law and order themselves become perpetrators, the resulting fear takes on a different dimension.

“When the protectors become the perpetrators, the fear is no longer at the hands of the mob it is sanctioned by the system,” she said.

Her remarks come amid continued political debate over minority safety, communal harmony and the role of law enforcement agencies in protecting citizens.

The alleged assault of the two journalists has also drawn attention to concerns over the treatment of media professionals and minorities while in police custody. The allegations, however, remain subject to investigation and any further official findings.