Srinagar, Apr 27 (UNI) Amid an ongoing intensified crackdown in Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmiri politicians on Sunday urged the Central government to tread cautiously and ensure a clear distinction between militants and civilians.
After the Pahalgam terror attack, at least nine houses of militants have been razed to the ground in several districts, mostly south Kashmir, and a large number of suspects have been detained across the valley.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for a decisive fight against terrorism in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack but cautioned against actions that could alienate innocent Kashmiris.
"After the Pahalgam terror attack, there must be a decisive fight against terrorism and its origin. People of Kashmir have come out openly against terrorism and the murder of innocent people, they did this freely & spontaneously," Omar said in a post on X.
"It’s time to build on this support and avoid any misplaced action that alienates people. Punish the guilty, show them no mercy but don’t let innocent people become collateral damage."
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti issued a fervent appeal to the central government, urging utmost caution and precision in its response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
“The Government of India must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack. It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror,” Mehbooba said.
“There are reports of thousands being arrested and scores of houses of common Kashmiris being demolished along with those of militants. I appeal to the government to direct the authorities to take care that innocent people are not made to feel the brunt as alienation aids terrorists' goals of division and fear,” she added.
Kashmir's chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged the authorities not to punish innocent Kashmiri families.
"While Kashmiri’s collectively condemn the heinous crime at Pahalgam, and it is imperative to bring its perpetrators to justice, indiscriminate arrests and videos circulating on social media of demolition of houses and neighbourhoods, is disturbing and distressing. I urge the authorities, that in seeking justice for the innocent victims not to punish innocent Kashmiri families," the Mirwaiz said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Justice and Development Front (JKJDF), which was launched on Sunday also voiced concern over reports of damages to civilian homes.
"We stand with the nation, but we appeal to the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to ensure that innocent women, children, and the elderly are not subjected to further suffering due to the blasting of houses," president of the JKJDF Shamim Ahmad Thoker said.
Former Mayor of Srinagar, Junaid Azim Mattu questioned the demolition of houses.
“Those who abandoned their old parents and families to choose a path of violence and terror destroyed their homes and the souls dwelling in them long back. What are being demolished now are the houses that shelter those broken backs and souls. How exactly will it avenge terror?,” he asked.
National Conference leader and District Development Council Nasir Lone while reacting to the “blasting” of a house of Farooq Tedwa in Kupwara on Saturday evening said this will not avenge the wrongs committed by militants.
“Farooq Tedwa has been living in Pakistan for the past three decades after abandoning his family, leaving them to suffer alone.
Destroying homes of families will not avenge the wrongs committed by militants. It only deepens the wounds, punishes those who have already been left behind,” he said on X.
UNI MJR RN