Mehbooba Mufti Writes to LG Manoj Sinha Over Mass Arrests Post Pahalgam Attack; Urges Compassion Ahead of Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, May 6 (RNA):
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has raised serious concerns over the large-scale detentions following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. In a letter addressed to Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, she termed the response by security agencies as a “collective punishment” and urged the administration to halt what she described as an indiscriminate crackdown on innocent civilians.

Mufti highlighted the unprecedented and heartfelt response of local Kashmiris who not only condemned the attack but also helped the injured, donated blood, and held protests against terrorism. She argued that instead of appreciating this gesture, the administration’s response threatens to erode public goodwill.

Below is the full text of Mehbooba Mufti’s letter:

Mehbooba Mufti
Former Chief Minister, J&K & Party President

Jammu & Kashmir
Peoples Democratic Party

Dear Manoj Sinha ji,

No: MM/25/22 Dated: 06-05-2025

Adab,

I write to you at a moment when the nation is grieving the tragic and cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam. This heinous act has been widely condemned across the country, more so by the people of Kashmir. In fact, we went a step further by observing a complete shutdown and hitting the streets in protest.

This spontaneous response marked a significant and heartening shift – for the first time, Kashmiris openly defied terrorism & stood united with the nation during this critical time. Even in the immediate aftermath of the attack, it was local Kashmiris who rushed to help the injured, transporting them to hospitals and donating blood not as a favor but as a heartfelt duty toward their fellow citizens.

However, the response from various security agencies that has followed appears less like a focused investigation and more like a sweeping and indiscriminate crackdown.

Over 3,000 arrests and nearly 100 Public Safety Act (PSA) detentions have been reported. Such numbers are alarming and don’t reflect justice but rather a collective form of punishment. This approach not only risks alienating families and communities but also begs the question: where will all this lead us to?

While we are all unequivocally in favour of justice, the actions currently being undertaken amount to mass retribution.

No democratic and responsible society can or should accept such treatment of its own people. I have long maintained that the people of Kashmir have extended a hand of goodwill. But it is now for the rest of the nation to respond in kind. It is deeply disheartening that the actions of a few terrorists are now determining how security agencies respond to the situation & go on a spree of arrests of innocent civilians.

With the Shri Amarnath Yatra approaching, I humbly request your urgent intervention to put an end to this policy of arrests, punitive measures and ensure release of innocents. Let the people of Kashmir breathe easy and prepare to welcome the Yatris with the warmth and hospitality they are well recognized for.

Hoping for a positive and compassionate response.

With regards,

Mehbooba Mufti

Copy to:
Jenab Omar Abdullah
Hon’ble Chief Minister, J&K

Jenab Manoj Sinha
Hon’ble LG, J&K

Mufti’s letter comes amid reports that over 3,000 people have been detained across the Valley, with nearly 100 booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Her appeal for restraint is expected to spark debate over the approach adopted by security forces in sensitive regions, especially with the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra just weeks away.

She concluded her message by expressing hope that her letter would be received with the same sincerity with which it was written.

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