Srinagar, 11-05-2024: PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has leveled serious allegations against the Jammu and Kashmir administration, accusing them of orchestrating efforts to manipulate the Lok Sabha elections by targeting and harassing her party and its supporters. Speaking at a press conference held at the PDP headquarters, Mufti highlighted the imposition of unprecedented restrictions under Section 144 in Pulwama, a constituent of the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat scheduled for polling on Monday.
Expressing her concern, Mufti stated, “From 6:30 pm today, Section 144 has been imposed in Pulwama district which is unprecedented. It has not happened before that restrictions are imposed where the elections are to take place and that too till the time of the conclusion of the elections.” She further alleged that these measures were aimed at deterring voters from exercising their franchise, suggesting a deliberate attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
Mufti also raised concerns over the detention of active workers associated with her party, who were instrumental in organizing election-related activities. She emphasized that such actions were not confined to Pulwama alone, citing incidents in Surankote where numerous party workers were detained following an attack.
Questioning the integrity of the electoral process, Mufti criticized the government’s handling of the situation, insinuating a larger agenda at play. She remarked, “If the Election Commission of India has to repeat the 1987 elections, then why this drama of elections? If they have to create Ikhwan (government gunmen) or the party of Ikhwans, their proxies whom they are supporting then they should say that.”
Furthermore, Mufti accused the administration of clandestinely supporting certain political factions, suggesting a covert alliance to influence electoral outcomes. She asserted, “The government officials are under pressure. The PDP workers are selectively targeted, they are harassed.”
In a direct appeal to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Mufti urged an end to the electoral charade, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness. She admonished, “If you want to do fraud in the elections, then tell us, we will leave. Why would we then put the lives of our workers at risk?”
Mufti also took aim at the ruling BJP, condemning their actions and calling for unity among Kashmiri voters to support her party. She highlighted the imprisonment of numerous youths by the BJP-led government, characterizing it as an infringement on their rights.
In response to a question regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Mufti stressed the need for addressing issues within the region before contemplating actions elsewhere. She criticized the BJP’s treatment of Muslims within India, cautioning against divisive rhetoric and discriminatory policies.