In a gesture of solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine, Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced the cancellation of her campaign. Mufti shared her decision on social media, stating that her campaign tomorrow has been cancelled as a mark of respect for the martyrs of Lebanon and Gaza. She specifically mentioned Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, as a figure of resistance in the region.
Mufti’s statement comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Gaza, have escalated. The long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine has seen renewed violence, and Lebanon, too, has faced its share of regional instability. Nasrallah, who leads the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon, has been a key figure in opposing Israeli actions, and his group has often been at the center of conflict in the region.
Expressing her support for the people of Palestine and Lebanon, Mufti highlighted their “immense grief” but also praised their “exemplary resistance” in the face of adversity. Her decision to stand with these nations aligns with her broader stance on international issues, particularly those related to Muslim-majority regions facing conflict and oppression.
The former J&K Chief Minister’s solidarity message resonates with many across the region, where the plight of Palestinians has long evoked strong emotions. Her cancellation of the campaign underscores her commitment to showing respect for what she sees as a moment of collective mourning and resistance.
While her statement is likely to be met with approval from her supporters, it could also invite criticism from those who hold differing views on the Middle East conflict, especially in India, where geopolitical alliances differ. However, for Mehbooba Mufti, this is clearly a moment to express her empathy and support for the victims of violence in Gaza and Lebanon, reaffirming her alignment with broader global struggles for justice and resistance against oppression.
This move adds to her growing portfolio of vocal advocacy for causes beyond the Indian subcontinent, reinforcing her image as a leader concerned with human rights on an international scale.
