In a significant development that has sparked controversy, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti and her mother, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, were reportedly placed under house arrest on Saturday. The move, allegedly aimed at preventing them from visiting bereaved families in Jammu and Kashmir, has reignited debates over political freedoms in the region.
Restricted Movements: PDP Leaders Cry Foul
According to Iltija Mufti, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken stringent measures to curb the movements of PDP leaders. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Iltija alleged that both she and her mother were forcibly confined to their residence, with the authorities locking their gates to prevent them from stepping out.
In her statement, she revealed that Mehbooba Mufti had planned to visit Sopore to meet the grieving family of Waseem Mir, a truck driver who was allegedly shot dead by the Indian Army on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Iltija herself had intended to visit Kathua to console the family of Makhan Din, another victim of violence in the region.
“My mother and I both have been placed under house arrest. Our gates have been locked up because she was meant to visit Sopore where Waseem Mir was shot dead by the army,” Iltija Mufti stated in her social media post.
She further lamented that despite the elections, Kashmir’s political scenario remains unchanged and alleged that even expressing solidarity with the families of victims is now being “criminalized.”
Backdrop of Rising Tensions in Jammu and Kashmir
The house arrest of the Mufti leaders comes against the backdrop of heightened political and security tensions in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has remained volatile in recent months, with ongoing concerns about alleged human rights violations, security operations, and restrictions on political activities.
The PDP, a key opposition party in the region, has been vocal against the revocation of Article 370 and the subsequent changes in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti, a former Chief Minister of the region, has repeatedly accused the central government of suppressing dissent and curbing political freedoms.
The alleged house arrest of the PDP leaders has drawn sharp reactions from opposition parties and human rights organizations. Several political figures condemned the move, calling it an “assault on democracy” and a blatant attempt to stifle opposition voices.
Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference (NC), took to social media, stating, “The detention of Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija Mufti is yet another example of how the government is silencing opposition leaders in Kashmir.”
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the action “unwarranted and unconstitutional”, emphasizing that political leaders must be free to engage with the people.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the frequent use of house arrests and preventive detentions in the region.
Government’s Justification: Security Concerns or Political Crackdown?
While PDP leaders and opposition figures see the house arrests as an undemocratic move, government sources have cited “security concerns” as the reason behind the restrictions. Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have often justified such measures, claiming that preventing political visits helps avert law and order disruptions.
However, critics argue that such restrictions are selectively imposed, mainly targeting pro-Kashmir political voices and activists who challenge the government’s policies in the region.
This is not the first time that Mehbooba Mufti and her party members have faced movement restrictions. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Mehbooba was placed under detention for over a year, along with several other prominent leaders. Even after her release, she has faced frequent detentions, travel bans, and restrictions on public gatherings.
Her daughter, Iltija Mufti, who has been actively speaking out on Kashmir’s political issues, has also encountered movement restrictions and alleged government surveillance in the past.
The latest development raises questions about the future of democratic engagement in Jammu and Kashmir. The PDP and other opposition parties continue to face challenges in mobilizing support, organizing rallies, and even meeting constituents. Such actions could further alienate mainstream political leaders in the region and deepen political unrest.
Analysts argue that clamping down on opposition leaders instead of addressing grievances politically and democratically will only fuel further discontent among the people. The government’s approach to managing dissent in Kashmir could also impact India’s international image, especially regarding human rights and democratic values.
The alleged house arrest of PDP leaders Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija Mufti adds another chapter to the ongoing political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir. While the government insists on security concerns, opposition leaders and civil rights activists see it as a deliberate move to silence political voices.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the administration will allow greater political freedom in Kashmir or continue with restrictive measures. One thing is clear: the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir remains as contentious as ever, with democracy itself appearing to be on trial in the region.
