Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 11: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti today called for stringent punishment against those responsible for human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent future incidents.
Mufti cited two recent cases, one in Sopore, where a truck driver was allegedly shot dead by the Army, and another in Kathua, where a youth, Makhan Din, died by forced suicide. “A truck driver was shot dead, and even the doctor confirmed that he was hit at close range. In Kathua’s Billawar, Makhan Din was tortured so severely that he was forced to take his own life,” she said.
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Mufti urged the Central Government to handle Jammu and Kashmir with respect and called for strong action against those responsible for human rights violations. “The incidents in Sopore and Kathua should set an example-those responsible must face severe punishment.” she asserted.
The PDP Chief criticized the National Conference (NC) for failing to raise these issues with the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, despite having 50 MLAs and Members of Parliament. “People expected Omar Abdullah to raise these concerns, but he keeps saying he has no power. He is the Chief Minister and has a strong representation in the Assembly, yet he has not addressed these human rights violations,” she added.
Mufti stressed that while security forces have a role in combating militancy, civilians should not be harassed. “I am not saying the entire Army is bad, but those who commit crimes should be punished,” she said.
The former Chief Minister also accused the Station House Officer (SHO) of Billawar of extorting money from young people by falsely accusing them of militancy. “If someone refuses to pay, they are labelled as militants. The heart-wrenching video of Makhan Din, a 25-year-old with two small children, shows the extent of police excesses. He was forced to take his own life while holding the Quran in his hands,” she said.
Mufti reiterated that Statehood must be restored, but ensuring the safety of people should be the priority. “Statehood means nothing if people are not alive,” she said.
She further condemned the administration for preventing her and PDP members from visiting affected areas. She also alleged that her daughter Iltija Mufti’s Personal Security Officers (PSOs) were suspended without justification. “This selective action by the government is unacceptable. The two PSOs, Hameed and Basharat, were punished not for any wrongdoing but for refusing to spy on us,” she said.
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