Mehbooba Mufti Urges End to Mass Detentions in IIOJK After Pahalgam Incident

Following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, former IIOJK Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has raised her voice against what she calls unjust mass detentions and harassment of civilians by Indian forces.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the Indian government’s response to the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Speaking during her visit to the affected area, she called for an immediate halt to the arrests and alleged intimidation of Kashmiri civilians.

During her tour of Pahalgam, Mufti met with local residents and listened to their concerns. She said there is widespread fear among the people, particularly due to continuous summoning of Kashmiri youth to police stations and army camps for questioning.

Mufti condemned the large-scale detentions that have followed the April 22 attack. “The people of Pahalgam are heartbroken and deeply troubled,” she told a local media outlet. “After the incident, locals did everything they could—rushed victims to hospitals, donated blood, and tried to save lives.”

However, instead of being recognized for their efforts, many residents are now facing police action. According to Mufti, hundreds of locals have been detained under suspicion of being “overground workers” or having links to terrorism.

“This kind of treatment—calling people for questioning, arresting them without proper grounds, keeping them locked up—must stop,” she said. “People are being targeted unfairly. The fear among the public is real, and it’s important that we acknowledge and address it.”

She stressed that such heavy-handed tactics only deepen mistrust and alienation. “People here are not enemies of the state,” Mufti added. “This collective punishment is both unjust and counterproductive.”

Mufti also highlighted that this approach is not limited to Pahalgam. “Similar stories are emerging from other regions in the valley,” she warned. “If this continues, it could push people further away from the system.”

Her remarks reflect growing concern in IIOJK over what many see as the misuse of laws and the erosion of civil liberties. Residents and rights groups have condemned the government’s reliance on mass detentions under laws such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

Mufti’s visit was also aimed at showing solidarity with the local population. “I came here to listen and to stand with the people. I want to help reduce their fear and ensure their voices are heard.”

Her statement serves as a call to action for the central government to rethink its strategy and uphold democratic principles in its dealings with the region.