Political parties in Kashmir slam Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, seek apology for 'violating personal and religious freedom of female doctor'

Political parties across the spectrum in Kashmir slammed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for pulling down the veil of a female doctor during an official event and stated that it violated her personal and religious freedom.

The leaders demanded an apology from Kumar and some even hinted that it was time for him to resign and retire.

The National Conference leader and minister in J&K government Sakina Ittoo termed the act as "deeply disturbing and indefensible."


"Such a public insult violates a woman’s dignity, faith, and personal autonomy. No constitutional office grants license to humiliate women or target religious identity. This conduct is unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned. An unconditional apology is owed," Ittoo, who is the minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare. The NC Lok Sabha member Aga Ruhullah also stated that this "erratic conduct is alarming and points to a man who no longer possesses the composure or mental clarity required for constitutional office. Seeking medical attention and stepping aside is necessary," said Ruhullah.

Former chief minister of J&K and People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said she was shocked to see Kumar pull down a young muslim woman’s naqaab. "Does one attribute it to old age or the normalisation of humiliating Muslims publicly. The fact that people around him watched this horrific incident unfold as some form of an entertainment is even more unsettling. Nitish Sahab perhaps it’s time you step down?" Mufti wrote on social media.

The CPI (M) legislator from Kulgam of southern Kashmir Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami said that such an act deserves unequivocal condemnation as a violation of religious freedom and personal dignity. "It is against the spirit of the Constitution and democratic norms," said Tarigami

The J&K People's Conference General Secretary and president All J&K Shia Association wrote to Kumar about the incident stating that the act was deeply hurtful, unacceptable, and in clear violation of the democratic and constitutional values of India.

"Such conduct does not befit a person holding a high constitutional office and sends a disturbing message to minority communities across the country...the issue is not political in nature but concerns the very basics of religious freedom, personal dignity, and respectful coexistence," read the letter. Ansari underlined that forcibly removing a woman’s veil is a direct affront to her faith and personal choice, and is wholly incompatible with the spirit of India’s democracy.