Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba Mufti, born on May 22, 1959, in Akhran Nowpora, Jammu and Kashmir, is an Indian politician and the President of the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP). She became the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, serving from April 2016 to June 2018, following the death of her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Known for her strong stance on the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti has been a vocal advocate for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation in the region.

Mufti’s political career began in the 1990s, and she has since played a significant role in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on issues like security, human rights, and economic development. During her tenure as Chief Minister, she emphasized the need for confidence-building measures between the state and the central government, as well as improved relations with Pakistan.

In August 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) along with other political leaders. Her detention and the subsequent political changes in the region have made her a central figure in advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status.