Mehbooba Mufti Visits Pahalgam, Condemns Terror Attack and Urges Justice Without Collective Punishment

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, visited Pahalgam following last month’s tragic terror attack that targeted tourists in the region. During her visit, she met with brave local residents who risked their lives to protect the victims during the attack. She also interacted with visiting tourists, assuring them of the region’s resilience, warmth, and longstanding tradition of hospitality.

Speaking to the media, Mufti strongly condemned the gruesome act, stating that the attack left the entire region in mourning and must be met with the harshest punishment for those responsible. She emphasized that people across Kashmir had come together in unanimous condemnation of the incident. However, she expressed deep concern over the ongoing treatment of local civilians in the aftermath.

Mufti criticized the security agencies for rounding up shawl vendors, tea sellers, Poniwalas, and other local workers for questioning—often without any clear reason or proof of involvement. “Many of these individuals are being detained for hours, sometimes the entire day, without food, only to be called again,” she said, highlighting the sense of alienation and mistrust such actions breed among the local population.

In a particularly disturbing revelation, Mufti pointed to reports that some civilians who voluntarily presented themselves for questioning were later labeled as OGWs (Over Ground Workers) and returned to their families dead. She described these individuals as poor, apolitical men who cooperated in good faith, and called for a full, transparent investigation into these cases. She urged the government to provide immediate financial assistance to their grieving families.

With the annual Amarnath Yatra approaching, Mufti also appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to support the local tourism-based economy. She requested financial relief for Poniwalas—who play a key role in facilitating the pilgrimage—and called for a waiver on interest for loans taken by hoteliers, taxi operators, and other workers dependent on tourism, many of whom are facing extreme financial distress due to ongoing instability.

Concluding her address, Mehbooba Mufti urged the government to respond with fairness and compassion rather than suspicion and collective punishment. “Security and accountability are vital, but so is the dignity of innocent civilians,” she stated, warning that blanket criminalization only deepens the divide between people and the administration.

Her visit and powerful remarks come at a crucial time for Kashmir, as the region balances the need for safety with the preservation of civil rights and livelihoods.

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