Mehbooba Mufti reports mass arrests in Kashmir ahead of elections

Srinagar, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti has accused the Indian government of using oppressive measures in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming that hundreds of young Kashmiris have been arrested and detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) as the region approaches parliamentary elections.

According to Kashmir Media Service, while initiating her election campaign in the Zainpora area of Shopian, Mufti highlighted a pervasive atmosphere of repression in the region. She criticized the Indian authorities for imposing severe restrictions on freedom of expression and movement, questioning the rationale behind the recent surge in youth detentions if, as claimed by the government, conditions in the region have normalized.

Mufti detailed that these detentions are not isolated to Shopian or Pulwama but are occurring across the Kashmir Valley. She pointed out the irony in security forces’ heightened actions following a recent incident where a tourist guide was injured, which has seemingly led to broader crackdowns involving numerous young residents.

Launching her campaign for the Islamabad-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat, Mufti expressed her commitment to voicing the concerns of local residents against what she describes as “enforced silence” and the oppressive environment fostered by unwarranted arrests.