Early Life and Upbringing
Iltija Mufti was born in 1987 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir to a prominent political family. Her mother Mehbooba Mufti is a former Chief Minister of J&K and current president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Iltija’s grandfather, the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, also served as J&K CM and Union Minister.
Iltija spent her childhood in Srinagar along with her younger sister Rubaiya Sayeed. Despite hailing from a high-profile political lineage, she was brought up in a modest household with strong family values. Iltija received her early education in Srinagar before her family relocated temporarily to Delhi in the late 1990s due to security concerns amidst rising militancy in Kashmir.
Education and Career Choices
Iltija completed her schooling from the prestigious Delhi Public School in R.K. Puram. She then enrolled at Miranda House College, Delhi University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Iltija was an academically bright student who excelled in debates and public speaking.
After graduating in 2008, Iltija contemplated career choices like the civil service or diplomacy [1]. However, amidst unstable political conditions post 2008 Amarnath land transfers crisis, she chose to support her mother politically. Iltija assisted behind the scenes with social media initiatives and campaign management.
In 2014, Iltija enrolled at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London for a Master’s in Conflict, Security and Development. This helped hone her understanding of conflict resolution and governance in complex political contexts.
Rise as Informal Advisor
Since the BJP revoked Article 370 and placed Kashmiri leaders under house arrest in August 2019, Iltija has emerged as an important voice from her mother Mehbooba Mufti’s camp. As Mehbooba remains in detention, Iltija handles her Facebook page with over 1 million followers.
In August 2023, Iltija’s role was formalized when she was appointed as Media Advisor to Mehbooba [2]. Iltija continues advocating for the reversal of Article 370 and democratic rights of Kashmiris through interviews and social media posts that have drawn attention worldwide.
Her informed opinions spanning politics, human rights, gender issues and Indo-Pak relations reflect her educational qualifications and family exposure to statecraft. Iltija has emerged as a confident, articulate speaker for Kashmir’s special status within the Indian union.
Personal Life
Unlike many South Asian women from privileged backgrounds, Iltija has preferred to stay out of the spotlight for most of her life. Very little is known about her personal relationships or marital status currently.
Some reports from a few years ago mentioned she was in a relationship, but nothing was confirmed. Iltija seems to have maintained a low-key personal presence while speaking up courageously on political issues impacting the people of J&K.
Her active social media engagement and public appearances over the past few years indicate she is single and dedicating time towards advocating for her mother’s cause and Kashmiri self-determination till the prevailing situation is resolved.
Writing Mehbooba’s Biography
In early 2024, Iltija stated she had begun penning an authorized biography of her mother Mehbooba’s political journey and contribution as one of India’s most notable female chief ministers [3].
The yet-to-be-published biography promises rich insights into Mehbooba’s family history, her rise in the male-dominated sphere of Kashmiri politics and her vision for lasting peace in the troubled region. It could help introduce Mehbooba to a wider national and global audience, especially younger generations.
The timing of this project amidst the ongoing communication clampdown in Kashmir reflects Iltija’s determination to record her family’s perspective for posterity at a historic junction. Only the eventual release can reveal how much the narrative dwells on sensitive contemporary issues.
Conclusion
Through diligence and public service, Iltija Mufti has carved a space for herself as an influential political voice and family representative. Her educational pedigree, first-hand experiences and articulation skills make her views hard to dismiss.
By utilizing digital mediums innovatively, Iltija continues the torchbearer role during her mother’s ongoing detention. While the future remains uncertain, she seems committed to advocating peace, justice and self-governance for Kashmir through lawful non-violent means. Iltija’s courage and persistence and should inspire more women to lead from the front on issues of importance.
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