The daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Iltija Mufti, has been granted a regular passport with 10-year validity following her petition in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. She had initially been issued a country-specific passport for two years, but she sought the court's intervention to extend the validity and remove travel restrictions. Iltija has planned to pursue higher studies in the UAE.
The issuance of a regular passport to Iltija is seen as a victory for her and her family. It comes after months of uncertainty and restrictions on her travel. Iltija's case has been closely watched by human rights groups and activists, who have criticized the government for its treatment of her and her family.
The issuance of Iltija's passport is a positive step, but it is important to note that she is still subject to other restrictions, such as the requirement to obtain permission from the government to travel abroad. It remains to be seen whether she will be able to travel freely to pursue her studies in the UAE.
In the meantime, Iltija's case is a reminder of the challenges faced by Kashmiris who want to travel abroad. The government's restrictions on travel have a chilling effect on freedom of movement and can make it difficult for Kashmiris to pursue their education and careers.
