Mehbooba Mufti Writes To Poll Body Over "Illegal" Arrests Of Party Workers

Further, Ms Mufti alleged that the situation has escalated to a point where the security establishment is instilling a "climate of fear" in areas slated for elections on May 13.

People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has written to the Election Commission to stop the alleged harassment and "illegal" arrest of the party workers.

In her letter to ECI, Ms Mufti said, "It has come to my attention that the state administration, under the control of the Union government, is shamelessly engaged in activities aimed at intimidating voters and supporters of the People's Democratic Party. I am deeply troubled by reports of security agencies conducting raids and harassing PDP workers in the Pulwama and Shopian districts. Numerous party members, sympathizers, and activists have been arbitrarily detained without justification, apparently as punishment for their efforts to organize public rallies and encourage voter turnout."

"As the custodian of democracy, the Election Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring a level playing field for all political parties. However, recent actions, such as the delay in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, have raised serious concerns about the Commission's impartiality and emboldened those who seek to manipulate the electoral outcome through coercion and intimidation," she added.