Mehbooba Mufti Urges Debate on PSA Detentions and Tourism Challenges in Upcoming J&K Assembly Session

SRINAGAR, Sep 24: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday called for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session to debate key issues, including alleged misuse of the Public Safety Act (PSA), the decline in tourism, and losses to the horticulture sector.

Mufti highlighted the ongoing closure of a crucial highway, questioning why it had not been restored promptly and why the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, was contacted only 20 days after the blockage. She demanded clarity on who is responsible for the resulting farmer losses and whether compensation packages or loan waivers for affected growers will be considered.

“Tourism in the region has suffered since the April 22 attack on tourists in Pahalgam, affecting livelihoods and creating despair among residents dependent on the industry,” Mufti said.

On the issue of PSA detentions, Mufti suggested a thorough discussion in the Assembly to address alleged misuse. She pointed to the case of MLA Mehraj Malik, booked under PSA for using unparliamentary language, emphasizing the need for the government to provide legal assistance to poor detainees unable to challenge their detention.

Mufti also urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to raise the issue of jailed separatist leader Mohammad Yasin Malik, stressing the importance of honoring commitments made to leaders who renounced violence. She called on National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and former RAW chief A S Dulat to respond to Malik’s claims in his 85-page affidavit before the Delhi High Court, noting that it is a matter of principle for governance and international credibility.

“The government must uphold its word and ensure justice for those who have abjured violence, as failing to do so undermines faith in the administration and the region,” she added.

This session is expected to see discussions on the economic, legal, and social challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir, with the opposition pressing for accountability and transparency from the government.