Srinagar,Dec 19,
Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti on Friday approached the Kothibagh Police Station in Srinagar to lodge an FIR against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over a widely circulated video allegedly showing him pulling the veil (niqab) of a Muslim woman doctor during an official programme.
Speaking to reporters, Iltija Mufti as per news agency said the act was humiliating and reflected a “misogynistic and insensitive attitude” towards women and religious minorities. She termed the incident unacceptable and said such conduct by a constitutional authority cannot be ignored.
She also referred to statements and social media reactions surrounding the burqa/niqab issue, asserting that repeated instances of such behaviour point to a deeper problem that needs to be addressed firmly.
Iltija criticised the initial silence of the Jammu and Kashmir political leadership over the issue, alleging that when the controversy surfaced, there was no immediate response. She further questioned the later remarks made in the matter, claiming they amounted to defending the act instead of condemning it.
The alleged veil-pulling incident in Patna triggered widespread outrage on social media, with many terming it disrespectful and an affront to women’s dignity and religious freedom. Several opposition leaders and commentators have demanded accountability and action over the episode.
She was accompanied by senior PDP leaders including Waheed Parra, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi (MLA Budgam) and Mohit Bhan while filing the complaint.