Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti and party leader Iltija Mufti were placed under house arrest on Sunday ahead of Martyrs’ Day observances, the party said.
According to PDP leaders, the restrictions were imposed to prevent Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter Iltija Mufti from participating in programmes marking Martyrs’ Day. The party alleged that the move was aimed at restricting political activity and the leaders’ right to pay tributes. Martyrs’ Day is observed in Jammu and Kashmir to commemorate those who were killed on July 13, 1931, during protests against the Dogra rule in the erstwhile princely state.
The PDP has criticised the reported house arrest, stating that such measures prevent leaders from visiting memorial sites and participating in public engagements. The administration has not issued an official statement regarding the restrictions. The development comes ahead of the annual commemorations, which have historically witnessed political leaders and groups paying homage to the 1931 martyrs.
Sharing a video showing police personnel outside their residence, Iltija accused the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the local administration of targeting political opponents ahead of the event, which commemorates the 21 civilians killed by Dogra forces in 1931.
Pertinently, Martyrs' Day was observed as an official state holiday in Jammu and Kashmir for decades, but the government removed it from the official calendar after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.Iltija said the family had not been informed about the reason for the alleged restrictions. "We have been placed under house arrest on the eve of Martyrs' Day for reasons best known to J&K Police. This is the normalcy they claim to have established in Kashmir?" she said.
Meanwhile, in its meeting of core committee, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday expressed “serious concern” over what it described as “the continuing atmosphere of fear and uncertainty prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir”.The meeting was chaired by president Mehbooba Mufti.
“Members noted that the persistent culture of raids, repeated searches and coercive measures has cast a shadow over normal civic life, creating a widespread sense of harassment and insecurity among ordinary citizens. The leadership observed that a democratic society cannot flourish where people continue to live under an environment of constant apprehension, PDP spokesperson said.
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