Mehbooba Mufti takes exception to NSA Ajit Doval’s ‘revenge for history’ remark

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday (January 11, 2026) took exception to the remarks made by National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, in which he used the term “revenge”. 

“It is deeply unfortunate that a high-ranking officer like Mr. Doval, whose duty is to guard the nation against internal and external nefarious designs, has chosen to join a communal ideology of hate and normalise violence against Muslims. Calling for revenge in the 21st century over centuries-old events is merely a dog whistle, inciting poor and uneducated youth to target a minority community already facing an onslaught from all sides,” Ms. Mufti said.

Mr. Doval, speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue in New Delhi on Saturday (January 10, 2026), said, “Our ancestors had made great sacrifices, endured great humiliation and experienced periods of profound helplessness. Our temples were looted, and we watched helplessly as silent spectators. This history presents us with a challenge that every young person in India today should have the fire within them.”

While noting that the word ‘revenge’ was not ideal, the NSA said it remained a powerful force. “We have to take revenge for our history. We have to take this country back to where we can build a great India based on our rights, our ideas, and our beliefs.”