Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes Arbitrary Arrests and Repressive Measures in IIOJK
November 28, 2023In a recent statement, Mehbooba Mufti, the President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed her strong resentment towards the arbitrary arrests of hundreds of individuals in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She decried what she referred to as “repressive measures” by various Indian government agencies, asserting that these actions have left the lives, property, and privacy of the people in the region insecure.
Mehbooba Mufti highlighted a particular incident involving the arrest of an elderly woman on alleged money laundering charges, emphasizing that even women were not spared in the occupied territory. The leader questioned the lack of transparency surrounding these arrests and the subsequent handling of the detainees by agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), State Intelligence Agency (SIA), and Special Investigation Unit (SIU).
Expressing concern, Mufti raised important questions directed at the administration: “Please tell us, are they alive or dead? Where are they lodged? Which court has remanded them to custody?” Her queries underscore the lack of information and transparency in the process, leaving families and the public in the dark about the fate of those detained.
Furthermore, Mufti pointed out a stark disparity between the high number of arrests and the minimal convictions resulting from court proceedings. She argued that most individuals had been picked up on what she termed as “trumped-up charges.” This, according to her, should prompt the administration to reevaluate its policies, suggesting that the current approach is flawed and potentially infringing upon the rights of the people.
The statement reflects a broader concern about the erosion of civil liberties and the rule of law in the occupied region. Mufti’s criticism goes beyond individual cases, addressing the systemic issues surrounding arrests and the legal process. By questioning the lack of convictions despite numerous detentions, she calls for accountability and transparency in the actions of government agencies.
To conclude, Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks shed light on the need for a comprehensive review of the policies governing law enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir. The allegations of arbitrary arrests and the apparent disregard for due process highlight the urgent need for reforms to safeguard the rights and well-being of the people in the region.