Mehbooba Mufti urges secular supporters to rally at Jantar Mantar on Sept. 29

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to people who identify as secular to join a demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on September 29. She said the gathering, which the Monitoring Committee for Indian Muslims (MCMI) has arranged, is intended to highlight the plight of Muslims across the country, The Hindu reported.

Mufti’s invitation targets a cross‑section of citizens beyond the usual political base, urging “secular‑minded” individuals to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community. The call follows a series of protests that have sprung up since the central government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 in August 2019 and subsequently detained several regional leaders.

The MCMI, a coalition of civil‑society groups and activists, has been coordinating nationwide actions to demand the release of political prisoners and the restoration of constitutional guarantees. By choosing Jantar Mantar – a historic venue for dissent – the committee hopes to attract media attention and pressure the government ahead of the upcoming state elections.

Mehbooba Mufti, who leads the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, has faced restrictions on her political activities since the revocation. Her participation in the protest signals a renewed willingness to engage in public dissent despite past bans on rallies in the former state. The Hindu notes that her statement underscores a broader strategy to mobilise public opinion at the national level.

Protests at Jantar Mantar have a long tradition in India, ranging from anti‑corruption movements to campaigns for farmer rights. They often serve as a barometer of public sentiment and can influence parliamentary debate. Analysts suggest that a well‑attended rally could amplify calls for a review of the security legislation imposed in Jammu and Kashmir and may compel the central government to address grievances raised by Muslim groups.

The upcoming demonstration is expected to draw activists, human‑rights advocates, and ordinary citizens who share Mufti’s secular outlook. Organisers have warned that any disruption of the peaceful protest could lead to legal action, but they remain confident that the event will proceed without incident.

As the date approaches, observers will watch for signs of governmental response, including any pre‑emptive restrictions or statements from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The outcome of the rally could shape the narrative around religious freedom and political participation in India’s most contested region.