Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep concern over the alleged custodial killings and the ongoing summoning of locals to police stations and forces camps for questioning during her visit to Pahalgam today, where she met with tourists and local residents.
Addressing a gathering of locals in Pahalgam, Mufti spoke about the distress felt by the locals, she said, “They are saddened and worried. The level of summoning for questioning by security agencies here is unprecedented. While locals have shown immense bravery by rushing injured individuals to hospitals and donating blood, many have been wrongfully labeled as overground workers (OGWs) or terrorists.” Mufti said that hundreds of locals are currently detained and called for an end to these practices.
Mehboba Mufti acknowledged the courage of tourists who continue to visit Kashmir despite terrorist threats, she said, “Our tourists are showcasing immense bravery by coming here to send a message that we aren’t scared. However, the closure of popular destinations like Aru Valley and Chandanwari does not reflect well on our tourism efforts. We have security; let’s deploy them effectively.”
The PDP chief appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging that the voices of Kashmiris, who have shown solidarity against terror, be heard. “We want those responsible for the recent terror attacks to be punished, but the mass detentions of innocent Kashmiris are unjust,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti said that while she could raise many questions regarding the government’s shortcomings in relation to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, she does not wish to do so and supports the government in its fight against terror. However, that does not mean that the majority of civilians should be viewed as sympathizers of terrorists.
Mufti recounted tragic incidents involving the alleged killing of civilians, including the case of Altaf Lali from Bandipora, who as per Mufti was summoned to a police station with his sister and later found dead in an encounter. Similarly, she mentioned 23-year-old Imtiyaz Ahmad Magray from Kulgam, who Mufti said, was also summoned for questioning and subsequently discovered dead in a river. She called for immediate inquiries into these incidents and urged LG Manoj Sinha to provide relief to the affected families, as they are impoverished.
