Mehbooba Mufti Urges End to Mass Detentions in Kashmir, Appeals for Trust and Tourism Revival Post-Pahalgam Attack

Pahalgam, May 5 — People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti visited Pahalgam on Monday in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack, calling for an end to the mass detentions and urging the people of India to trust Kashmiris.

Speaking to ANI during her visit, Mufti expressed concern over the ongoing detentions and interrogations being carried out by security agencies in the region. She emphasized that while the people of Pahalgam were among the first responders to the attack—rushing the injured to hospitals, donating blood, and providing aid—they are now being subjected to widespread suspicion.

“The people of Pahalgam are deeply saddened and pained. Despite their efforts to help during the attack, hundreds are being summoned, detained, and released later in the day. This type of ‘pakad-dhakad’ (round-up) by police and Army must stop,” Mufti said.

She added that Kashmiris have always welcomed visitors with open arms, and the rest of the country should reciprocate that trust. “When Kashmiris are open-hearted, people of the country should trust them too,” she stated.

Mufti also commended the tourists who continued to visit the region despite the recent violence and encouraged more to do the same. “Kashmir is waiting for you, especially the Yatris for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Never before has there been an attack on Yatris in Pahalgam. This is the first such incident. People here have always protected and hosted Yatris with warmth and care,” she said, citing past instances where locals sheltered pilgrims during natural disasters.

Expressing condolences to the families of the victims, Mufti said, “Our sympathies are with the families of the 27 people who lost their lives. I received many calls from scared youth and traders. For the first time in years, I spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and he was reassuring. Some review of security measures is expected.”

The Pahalgam attack occurred at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists ambushed a group of tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and injuring several others.

In response to the attack, the Indian government has implemented strong diplomatic and economic measures against Pakistan, citing its continued support for cross-border terrorism. These include:

Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) until Pakistan ends its support for terrorism.

Closure of the Attari Integrated Check Post, halting land trade routes.

A complete ban on the import and transit of all goods originating from or routed through Pakistan, as per a Ministry of Commerce and Industry notification.

The situation in the Kashmir Valley remains tense, with ongoing security operations and intelligence alerts of potential further threats, especially in south Kashmir.