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Srinagar: National Conference member of Indian Parliament, Ruhullah Mehdi, alongside other prominent Kashmiri leaders, has condemned the recent large-scale arrests in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, labeling the move as ‘collective punishment.’
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, Mehdi expressed his concerns on the social media platform X, arguing that these actions represent “punishment by exile” rather than security measures. He criticized the authorities’ use of terms like “OGWs” and “Hybrid Militants” to justify the detentions, emphasizing that governance through fear undermines legitimacy.
Reports indicate that over 500 individuals have been detained in sweeping nocturnal raids across Kashmir, conducted by the Special Operations Group (SOG). Mehdi highlighted the need for clarity and a unified approach between authorities in IIOJK and Delhi regarding operations in the region.
Further criticism came from CPI-M leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who described the mass detentions as “unjust” and “unacceptable.” Meanwhile, Iltija Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party questioned the silence of the Omar Abdullah-led government on the arrests of young boys in various districts.
Mufti challenged the National Conference government to break its silence, emphasizing the similarity of the current situation to past governance when youths were detained under controversial laws like the UAPA and PSA. She pointed out that despite having a majority, the government has failed to address the issue publicly.
The authorities have yet to provide an official comment on the exact number or legal justification for these arrests, leaving many questions unanswered as the situation continues to unfold in the region.
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