Mehbooba Mufti Advocates for Justice Amidst Rising Youth Detentions and Alleged Lack of Legal Due Process in J&K
26-11-2023 : Former Chief Minister and President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, expressed concern over widespread disappointment in Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted the challenges faced by the people who, due to an environment of threats and arrests, are unable to voice their grievances. Speaking at a party workers rally in Noorabad Kulgam, Mufti drew attention to the large number of youths in detention without proper legal procedures, citing the recent arrest of the wife of incarcerated cleric Sarjan Barkari over alleged terror funding.
Mufti emphasized that the oppressive atmosphere and fear prevailing in the region were the driving forces behind Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s commitment to address the crisis, even if it meant significant sacrifices for the PDP. She stated that the party’s primary goal is to reconnect with the people and restore a sense of security in the region.
Addressing questions about the alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Mufti underscored the need for people to comprehend Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s vision. She explained that Mufti’s objective was not merely to attain power but to resolve the issues in Jammu and Kashmir by involving the Central Government. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had collaborated with leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, and sought to include Narendra Modi in the process.
During the rally, Mufti expressed concern about the lack of information regarding the fate of individuals arrested by agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), State Investigation Agency (SIA), and Special Investigation Unit (SIU). She criticized the administration’s policies, noting the absence of convictions despite numerous arrests on what she described as trumped-up charges.
Emphasizing the importance of moral strength and political will, Mufti asserted that she did not compromise on these principles during her tenure as the head of the government in alliance with the BJP. She clarified that the alliance was a strategic move to thwart the BJP’s designs, which ultimately led to the withdrawal of support by the BJP when it became apparent that the PDP would prioritize its agenda of peace and development.
Concluding her address, Mufti urged the people to join the efforts for the restoration of their rights and clarified that her advocacy was not driven by a quest for votes or positions. She reiterated her unwavering commitment to the agenda and rights of the people, pledging not to compromise on these principles under any circumstances.
