PM Narendra Modi’s Israel visit not good for Mahatma’s India: Mehbooba Mufti

Anantnag, Feb 26: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel, saying it was not in line with India’s traditional foreign policy and sent a wrong message.

Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, Mufti objected to Modi’s public meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“I think our country’s policy is against it. Today, much of the world opposes Israel PM Netanyahu. The International Criminal Court has indicted him. He does not visit many countries for fear of arrest,” she said.

Referring to Modi’s engagement with Netanyahu, Mehbooba added, “Modi, who represents 140 crore people, goes there and hugs a criminal. I think it is not a good sign for our country, for Gandhi’s India.”

“The Prime Minister should be mindful of the message such engagements send at a time when the situation in Gaza has drawn international attention,” she said.

Mehbooba accused Netanyahu of being responsible for civilian deaths in Gaza.

“Netanyahu should be held accountable for the killing of civilians in Gaza. In some countries, he could face legal action,” she said.

Mehbooba also said India has always stood for peace. “India has always stood for peace and justice. Our foreign policy should reflect that,” she added.

On local issues, she called for early panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

“People believed that after the government was formed, their difficulties would be resolved, but they have not been addressed. So, panchayat elections should take place,” Mehbooba said, urging voters to “elect good persons” instead of focusing on political parties.

When asked about the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) raid at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary's brother, Mehbooba said, “The raid on the brother of the Deputy CM makes it clear on whose backing the brother does everything. You should ask this question to the Deputy CM.”