Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has taken a significant step by pausing her election campaign for a day to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon. This decision follows the recent killing of a Hezbollah leader in the Middle East. Mufti’s gesture comes at a time when violence in the region is escalating, and she explained that continuing her campaign felt wrong in light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“We are seeing innocent lives being torn apart, especially in Palestine and Lebanon. It feels wrong to continue campaigning as if nothing is happening. Their pain needs to be acknowledged,” Mufti stated, her words reflecting her deep empathy for those caught in the crossfire. For her, this decision is not just a political statement—it’s a way to express shared human grief in a world often divided by conflict and borders.
A Long History of Solidarity
Mufti’s decision may seem bold, but those who have followed her political journey know that it is consistent with her long-standing stance on global humanitarian issues. Over the years, Mufti has been vocal about the plight of Palestinians, regularly condemning violence in the region and calling for peace. Her sympathy with the Palestinian cause runs deep, as many in Jammu and Kashmir see their struggles mirrored in those of the Palestinian people. It’s a bond rooted in shared experiences of displacement, oppression, and resilience.
Kashmiris have historically stood in solidarity with Palestine, organizing protests, marches, and vigils to highlight the cause. Mufti’s decision to pause her campaign is just the latest example of this alignment. In a region where the wounds of conflict are deeply personal, her message is clear: some things are bigger than politics, and the suffering of others, no matter how far away, deserves attention and compassion.
A Mixed Reaction
While Mufti’s decision has earned her praise from many, it has also sparked criticism from others. Her supporters see the move as courageous and compassionate, viewing it as proof that she prioritizes humanity over political gain. “She’s not just another politician,” said Rafiq, a shopkeeper in Srinagar. “She feels the pain of others and acts on it. That means something, especially today when politicians often seem disconnected from real human issues.”
On the other hand, critics, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference (NC), argue that Mufti is shifting focus away from the pressing concerns of Jammu and Kashmir. With unemployment at an all-time high, economic hardship affecting many, and political uncertainty still looming over the region, some feel her decision to pause the campaign over an international issue is out of touch with the immediate needs of her constituency.
“While she’s talking about Palestine, we’re dealing with joblessness and rising costs,” an NC spokesperson remarked. “These global issues are important, but right now, Kashmir needs a leader who is focused on addressing local problems.”
There are also those who question whether this move is a strategic play to garner sympathy from voters. For some, her focus on the Middle East appears to be a way to divert attention from more urgent issues at home. They argue that Mufti’s decision to take a day off from campaigning may be less about compassion and more about positioning herself as a leader who champions global causes, even if it comes at the expense of addressing local challenges.
Balancing Local and Global
For Mehbooba Mufti, the connection between global conflicts and local struggles isn’t just a theoretical one —it’s personal. Jammu and Kashmir has endured decades of unrest, and many families in the region have experienced loss and hardship similar to what Palestinians face. This is why, for many in Kashmir, the Palestinian cause resonates so deeply. They see their own suffering reflected in the plight of Palestinians, and Mufti’s decision to pause her campaign speaks to that shared sense of struggle.
Mufti’s supporters believe that by taking a day off from the campaign to stand in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon, she is demonstrating that leadership isn’t limited to regional borders. “We are not disconnected from the world,” says Nayeema, a college student in Anantnag. “What happens in Gaza affects us too, because we understand what it’s like to suffer and feel forgotten. Mehbooba Mufti understands that, and that’s why her decision matters.”
The Risks of Compassion in Politics
Whether Mehbooba Mufti’s decision to pause her campaign will help or hurt her politically remains uncertain. In the often emotionally charged landscape of Kashmiri politics, acts of compassion can be seen both as strengths and weaknesses. For every person who admires her empathy and willingness to address global humanitarian issues, there are those who believe that her focus on international events may come at the cost of dealing with the problems faced by her own people.
Yet for Mufti, leadership is about more than winning votes—it’s about standing up for what she believes in, even if it means taking risks. Her decision to take a break from campaigning in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon underscores her image as a leader willing to put her principles first. In a political world where clear stances on international conflicts are often avoided, Mehbooba Mufti is choosing to speak out, even if it leads to criticism.
Mehbooba Mufti’s decision to pause her election campaign after the killing of a Hezbollah leader reflects her long-standing commitment to human rights and global solidarity. Whether or not this move will benefit her politically remains to be seen, but it reinforces her reputation as a leader who values compassion and empathy. For her, the suffering of Palestinians and Lebanese is not just a distant issue—it is a reflection of the pain her own people have endured. In the end, her decision serves as a reminder that some causes transcend the campaign trail, and for Mehbooba Mufti, empathy is not a political liability but a core part of her leadership. matter how far away, deserves attention and compassion.
A Mixed Reaction
While Mufti’s decision has earned her praise from many, it has also sparked criticism from others. Her supporters see the move as courageous and compassionate, viewing it as proof that she prioritizes humanity over political gain. “She’s not just another politician,” said Rafiq, a shopkeeper in Srinagar. “She feels the pain of others and acts on it. That means something, especially today when politicians often seem disconnected from real human issues.”
On the other hand, critics, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Conference (NC), argue that Mufti is shifting focus away from the pressing concerns of Jammu and Kashmir. With unemployment at an all-time high, economic hardship affecting many, and political uncertainty still looming over the region, some feel her decision to pause the campaign over an international issue is out of touch with the immediate needs of her constituency.
“While she’s talking about Palestine, we’re dealing with joblessness and rising costs,” an NC spokesperson remarked. “These global issues are important, but right now, Kashmir needs a leader who is focused on addressing local problems.”
There are also those who question whether this move is a strategic play to garner sympathy from voters. For some, her focus on the Middle East appears to be a way to divert attention from more urgent issues at home. They argue that Mufti’s decision to take a day off from campaigning may be less about compassion and more about positioning herself as a leader who champions global causes, even if it comes at the expense of addressing local challenges.
Balancing Local and Global
For Mehbooba Mufti, the connection between global conflicts and local struggles isn’t just a theoretical one—it’s personal. Jammu and Kashmir has endured decades of unrest, and many families in the region have experienced loss and hardship similar to what Palestinians face. This is why, for many in Kashmir, the Palestinian cause resonates so deeply. They see their own suffering reflected in the plight of Palestinians, and Mufti’s decision to pause her campaign speaks to that shared sense of struggle.
Mufti’s supporters believe that by taking a day off from the campaign to stand in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon, she is demonstrating that leadership isn’t limited to regional borders. “We are not disconnected from the world,” says Nayeema, a college student in Anantnag. “What happens in Gaza affects us too, because we understand what it’s like to suffer and feel forgotten. Mehbooba Mufti understands that, and that’s why her decision matters.”
The Risks of Compassion in Politics
Whether Mehbooba Mufti’s decision to pause her campaign will help or hurt her politically remains uncertain. In the often emotionally charged landscape of Kashmiri politics, acts of compassion can be seen both as strengths and weaknesses. For every person who admires her empathy and willingness to address global humanitarian issues, there are those who believe that her focus on international events may come at the cost of dealing with the problems faced by her own people.
Yet for Mufti, leadership is about more than winning votes—it’s about standing up for what she believes in, even if it means taking risks. Her decision to take a break from campaigning in solidarity with Palestine and Lebanon underscores her image as a leader willing to put her principles first. In a political world where clear stances on international conflicts are often avoided, Mehbooba Mufti is choosing to speak out, even if it leads to criticism.
Mehbooba Mufti’s decision to pause her election campaign after the killing of a Hezbollah leader reflects her long-standing commitment to human rights and global solidarity. Whether or not this move will benefit her politically remains to be seen, but it reinforces her reputation as a leader who values compassion and empathy. For her, the suffering of Palestinians and Lebanese is not just a distant issue—it is a reflection of the pain her own people have endured. In the end, her decision serves as a reminder that some causes transcend the campaign trail, and for Mehbooba Mufti, empathy is not a political liability but a core part of her leadership.
