Srinagar, May 5 (UNI) Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday visited Pahalgam, demanding the strongest action against those responsible for last month’s terror attack.

She also cautioned the government against the “blanket criminalisation” of locals.



A PDP spokesman said party president Mehbooba met the courageous individuals who risked their lives to protect and save tourists during the tragic incident.

She also interacted with tourists currently vacationing in Pahalgam, reassuring them of the region’s resilience & hospitality.



“The gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, which left the entire region in mourning, is condemnable and deserves the strongest punishment for those involved,” she told reporters.



“The people of Kashmir unanimously came out against this gruesome attack and unequivocally condemned it. However, the manner in which our local civilians across Kashmir and especially from Pahalgam - shawl vendors, Poniwalas, tea sellers and others simply trying to earn a livelihood are being rounded up for questioning or detained is deeply disturbing,” she added.



The former CM stated that the people were being rounded up by security agencies and kept in custody for hours and sometimes the entire day without food and then asked to return again for further questioning, without any indication of wrongdoing.

She stressed that this kind of “blanket criminalization” of locals not only alienates local people but also sows seeds of “resentment and mistrust”.



Keeping in view the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, she urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to provide financial support to the Poniwalas, who play a crucial role in facilitating the pilgrimage and called for waiving off the interest on loans taken by hoteliers, taxi operators, and other tourism - dependent workers for the current financial year.

“Their livelihoods have already suffered due to instability and the current crackdown and must not be made to pay the price. These sectors form the backbone of Pahalgam’s economy and have been reeling under immense stress due to repeated disruptions,” she said



Mehbooba urged the government to act with fairness and compassion, not fear and suspicion, given how Kashmiris have come out unanimously against the Pahalgam terror attack.

“Collective punishment of innocent civilians is not how a democratic society responds to tragedy. Accountability and security are important, but we must also uphold the dignity of innocent civilians,” she added. UNI MJR SSP