Collective punishment is not how democratic society responds to tragedy: Mehbooba Mufti

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti visits Pahalgam, expresses concern over crackdown, seeks financial help for Amarnath yatra operators.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday (May 5, 2025) visited Pahalgam, expressed concern over the ongoing massive crackdown against locals and sought financial help for pony operators ahead of the Amarnath yatra.

“The people of Kashmir unanimously came out against this gruesome attack and unequivocally condemned it. However, the manner in which our local civilians across Kashmir and especially from Pahalgam — shawl vendors, pony wallas, tea sellers and others simply trying to earn a livelihood — are being rounded up for questioning or detained is deeply disturbing,” Ms. Mufti said.

She urged the government to act with fairness and compassion, not fear and suspicion. “Collective punishment of innocent civilians is not how a democratic society responds to tragedy. Accountability and security are important, but we must also uphold the dignity of innocent civilians,” she added.

Ms. Mufti said people were being rounded up by security agencies and kept in custody for hours and sometimes the entire day without food, and then asked to return again for further questioning, without any indication of wrongdoing. “This kind of blanket criminalization of locals not only alienates our people but also sows seeds of resentment and mistrust,” she said.

She alleged that civilians who voluntarily presented themselves for questioning to assist the investigation were labelled as overground workers (of militants) and returned to their families in body bags, apparently referring to the recent death of a civilian who jumped into a stream during a search operation in Kulgam.

“While a full and transparent probe must be initiated in these matters without delay, the government should extend immediate financial assistance to their devastated families, who are struggling to survive in extreme poverty,” she said.

Keeping in view the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Ms. Mufti urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to provide financial support to the pony wallas “who play a crucial role in facilitating the pilgrimage” and called for waiving off the interest on loans taken by hoteliers, taxi operators, and other tourism.