PDP President Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes J&K Situation and Restrictions on Freedom

SRINAGAR, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti expressed strong objections to former DGP Dilbag Singh’s claim that the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is normal and devoid of collateral damage in the last four years.

According to Kashmir Media Service reports that while addressing media persons in Ganderbal district, Mufti highlighted recent incidents of violence in the region, questioning the former DGP’s assessment. She pointed out recent targeted attacks and questioned the definition of ‘collateral damage’ used by the authorities, citing the recent events in Kokernag and other areas.

Mufti criticized the snatching of freedom from the people of J&K, asking why their freedom of expression and protest is curtailed if the situation is indeed normal. She referenced the situation in Gaza, Palestine, and the government’s order preventing imams from praying for them or protesting, as an example of the suppression of freedom in the region.

She also mentioned the lieutenant governor-led administration’s recent order warning government employees against demonstrations and strikes, deeming it unfortunate. Mufti argued that such actions contradict the claims of normalcy in J&K and highlight the fear of the people’s voice among the authorities. She emphasized that with the heavy presence of security forces, even raising issues like provident fund problems by employees has been banned, further restricting their rights.

The PDP president’s statements underscore the ongoing concerns about the suppression of civil liberties and the true state of affairs in the region, challenging the official narratives of normalcy and stability in J&K.