Srinagar, Apr 27 (UNI) Amid the ongoing intensified crackdown in Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack, former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday urged the central government to tread cautiously and ensure a clear distinction between militants and civilians, so as not to alienate innocent people.
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.
Mehbooba issued a fervent appeal to the central government, urging utmost caution and precision in its response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 tourists were gunned down.
“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,” she 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 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 rationale behind 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.
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