Srinagar, Dec 24 (KNS): Against the grim backdrop of a retired police officer's killing and the widespread detention of civilians, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and President of the People's Democratic Party, Ms Mehbooba Mufti has raised alarm about the deteriorating situation in the erstwhile state.
Condemning barbaric killing of retired police officer Mr Muhammad Shafi Mir in Baramulla, she said that situation remains grim in Jammu and Kashmir contradicting the government’s narrative.
In a series of statements on social media platform X, Ms Mehbooba Mufti, voiced her deep concern over the reported incidents of violence in the region. Highlighting the unfortunate loss of lives, Mufti addressed the tragic ambush that claimed the lives of five army jawans, the alleged torture and death of three civilians in army custody, and the recent killing of a retired SP.
Expressing distress over the situation, Mufti questioned the priorities of the Government of India (GOI), asserting that innocent lives in J&K have become collateral damage in the pursuit of maintaining a facade of normalcy. She argued that the ground reality contradicts the government's narrative and urged for a more transparent approach to address the complexities of the region.
“One doesn’t know what to condemn more. Killing of five army jawans who laid their lives in the line of their duty or civilians tortured to death in the most barbaric way by those supposed to protect us from the enemy? Every life in J&K is in peril & GOI wants to brush everything under the carpet only because the ground reality will puncture their fake narrative. How long will this go on before the country wakes up?”, she wrote.
Mufti also drew attention to the reported withholding of information about civilians from Panchayat Banghia who have been picked up by the DKG army camp in the Thana Mandi area of Rajouri district. Family members are allegedly being denied access to their loved ones, heightening fears for their safety.
“DKG army camp has picked up civilians of Panchayat banghia from thana mandi area & are withholding information about them. Nor are their worried family members being allowed to see them at the camp who fear for their lives because of the Topi episode where civilians were tortured to death in custody.”
The former Chief Minister called on LG Mr Manoj Sinha to intervene and prevent a potential tragedy similar to the previous incident where civilians were reported to have been tortured to death in custody.
The statements by Ms Mehbooba Mufti underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and humane approach to addressing the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
As concerns grow over the well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire, Mufti's call for intervention seeks to ensure that the situation is handled with transparency and accountability. The plea for swift action aims to prevent further loss of innocent lives and bring about a resolution that reflects the best interests of the affected communities.(KNS)