Mehbooba Mufti Urges Centre to Protect Innocents During Anti-Terror Crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir After Pahalgam Attack
Anti-Terror Crackdown in Jammu and Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti Urges Centre to Act with Caution to Avoid Alienating Innocents
In the wake of a massive anti-terror operation launched by security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has raised concerns over the Centre’s approach, urging it to act cautiously to prevent alienating innocent civilians. The security crackdown comes after a brutal terror attack at Baisaran meadows, near the popular tourist town of Pahalgam, on April 22, which resulted in the tragic killing of 26 people, most of them tourists. This attack has sent shockwaves across the nation and prompted an intensified counter-terror campaign across the valley.
Mehbooba Mufti, in a strongly worded post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighted the urgent need for the Indian government to differentiate carefully between terrorists and innocent civilians. She emphasized that the indiscriminate targeting of civilians could lead to further alienation, which, in turn, would serve the objectives of terrorist groups that seek to spread division and fear among communities. Stressing the importance of winning the trust of the local population, Mufti warned that failure to safeguard innocent lives could inadvertently strengthen the hands of those who promote violence and instability.
Alleging widespread arrests and demolition drives, Mufti expressed deep concern that thousands of individuals have been detained and that even the homes of ordinary Kashmiris, not just militants, are being razed. She urged the Centre to ensure that the security operations are conducted with precision and sensitivity, with a clear focus on targeting actual terror networks rather than casting a wide net that ensnares common people. The former Chief Minister pointed out that collective punishment and heavy-handed measures could exacerbate feelings of injustice among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, making the task of maintaining peace and security even more challenging in the long run.
As the security forces continue their operations in one of India’s most sensitive regions, the importance of maintaining a balance between enforcing law and order and respecting the rights and dignity of civilians cannot be overstated. The crackdown aims to dismantle terror infrastructure that threatens national security, but as Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks underline, there is a critical need for a humane and legally sound approach. Ensuring that innocent civilians are not subjected to unnecessary hardship is not just a matter of ethical governance but also a strategic necessity in the battle against terrorism.
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense, with heightened security measures, extensive searches, and a visible presence of armed forces across various districts. The Centre’s actions in the coming days will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as they navigate the complex challenge of neutralizing terror threats while preserving public trust and democratic values in the region.
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