Mehbooba seeks 'probe' into fake encounters in Kashmir

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti urges Inspector General of Police Kashmir to probe into the three alleged fake encounters in Kashmir. She also raised other issues like the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, resumption of Line of Control trade, Pegasus snooping row besides army 'harassing' Kashmir residents and on youth taking up guns.

Srinagar:Mehbooba Mufti, People's Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, put forth the issue of alleged fake encounters in Kashmir while speaking during a function on the 22nd foundation day of her party in Srinagar on Wednesday. PDP wa founded on July 28, 1999. Mufti also raised other issues like special status of Jammu and Kashmir, resumption of Line of Control trade, Pegasus snooping row, Army 'harassing' Kashmir residents and youth joining militancy.

Mufti said police must probe the killing of three youth whose families are alleging they were killed in fake encounters. "Three families have approached me and said that their sons were killed in fake encounters. I appeal to Inspector General of Police Kashmir to probe these alleged fake encounters as people are raising questions about these three killings," Mehbooba said.

Mehbooba said the families of Zakir Ahmad, Imran Qayoom and Athar Mushtaq have alleged that their sons were not militants and they were killed in fake encounters. She said that their families will be booked by police, if they demand the bodies of their sons. “IGP should probe the killings of Zakir, Imran and Athar Mushtaq. The facts about these three incidents should be made public,” she said.

Restore special status

Mufti said that the special status of Jammu and Kashmir which was snatched away from the people on August 5, 2019, must be returned. "It took Bharatiya Janata Party 70 years to abrogate the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. When they can take away our special status overnight, then why can't we fight for it. They will have to return the special status at any cost”

Resume cross-LoC trade

Mufti said that the BJP government should hold dialogue with Pakistan to resolve issues peacefully. "When the government is holding dialogue with China why can't it talk with Pakistan. They should talk to Pakistan and reopen Muzaffarabad and Rawlakot roads for trade," she said. The cross LoC trade was suspended by the BJP government after the Pulwama suicide attack on the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy that killed 40 personnel.

Shun gun

The PDP president urged the youth to stop joining militancy. "Some people want youth to pick up arms. The youngsters should stay away from guns. We will raise our voices peacefully. We will follow the peaceful struggle of Mahatma Gandhi,” she said. She criticized the army personnel for "harassing" people in Kashmir. “The army is not fighting the enemy and China, but with the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The army men enter the homes of people and creates fear among them and harass them," she said.

Pegasus spyware surveillance

Mehbooba Mufti said that the BJP government is ruling the country like British colonialists and East India Company. "There is no difference between the BJP government and East India Company. Phones of people and leaders are being snooped," she said.