PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday strongly opposed the central government’s approach to addressing security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that it should not come at the expense of trampling on constitutional rights and eroding the rule of law, reported Press Trust of India.
Her remarks followed a statement by Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police RR Swain, who on Sunday indicated that locals found supporting foreign terrorists would be prosecuted under the Enemy Agents Ordinance. This law is considered much harsher than the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
“Jammu and Kashmir police’s recent decision to invoke the draconian Enemy Ordinance Act from the Maharaja’s era against its own citizens on mere suspicion of aiding militants is deeply concerning and represents a significant breach of justice,” said the former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu Kashmir in a post on X.
She highlighted that these archaic laws violate human rights and the associated punishments are grossly incompatible with the principles of justice enshrined in the Constitution. “The Government of India’s quest to address security concerns should not come at the cost of trampling on constitutional rights and eroding the very rule of law,” she added.
Her daughter and media advisor, Iltija Mufti, echoed similar sentiments, indicating that such actions suggest little change in the BJP’s policy regarding Kashmir.
“What does the recent decision to arrest Mian Qayoom, ban the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association elections, and invoke a draconian law from the Maharaja’s era tell you? Even after losing its brute majority, there will be little change in the BJP’s policy regarding Kashmir,” Iltija posted on X.
Iltija was also referring to the arrest of Mian Abdul Qayoom, the former president of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to murder fellow advocate Babar Qadri in 2020.
Qayoom was arrested on Tuesday, the same day authorities banned the Bar Association elections, citing that the association was not registered with the competent authority and there were concerns about a breach of peace.
“This sudden slew of repressive actions is also intended to punish Kashmiris for exercising their right to vote and rejecting Delhi’s illegal revocation of J&K’s special status, as well as its deeply unpopular proxy parties,” Iltija alleged.