SRINAGAR, Sep 18: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday claimed she was placed under house arrest to stop her from visiting Sopore to pay condolences following the death of former Hurriyat Conference chairman Abdul Gani Bhat.
In a post on X, Mufti criticized the move, saying, “The decision to place the political leadership under house arrest today, simply to stop us from visiting Sopore to offer condolences on the demise of Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, lays bare the harsh and undemocratic reality in Jammu and Kashmir.” Bhat passed away on Wednesday evening at his residence in Sopore after a prolonged illness.
Referring to the recent Hazratbal Shrine controversy, Mufti added that the public anger witnessed there was a “loud, unmistakable message” from a people pushed to the edge. She accused the BJP of being “willfully blind” to the deep anguish and emotions that have built over the years. “Instead, they seem determined to keep the region in a constant state of turmoil, weaponising pain and unrest for political mileage,” she said.
Meanwhile, Peoples’ Conference chief and Handwara MLA Sajjad Lone also claimed he was placed under house arrest to prevent him from traveling to Botingoo, the ancestral village of Professor Bhat. Lone described the restriction as unnecessary, stating, “Professor sahib was a pacifist and long retired. A final goodbye is something we all deserved.”
The political leaders’ allegations highlight the increasing tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, as local parties accuse authorities of restricting movement under the guise of security while preventing participation in traditional condolence visits.