Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes Kashmir Police for Invoking Controversial Law

APP

Islamabad: In Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized the enforcement of the draconian Enemy Agents Ordinance against Kashmiris, condemning it as a violation of their constitutional rights.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Mufti’s comments came in response to Indian police authorities’ announcement that Kashmiris suspected of supporting pro-freedom activists would be prosecuted under the Enemy Agents Ordinance. This ordinance permits Indian authorities to arrest and charge Kashmiri youth based on suspicions of aiding pro-freedom activists, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison.

In a statement posted on X, Mehbooba Mufti remarked, “[IIOJK] police’s recent decision to invoke the outdated Enemy Ordinance Act from the Maharaja’s era against [Kashmiris] merely on suspicion of supporting ‘militants’ is deeply alarming and represents a significant miscarriage of justice.”

She further emphasized that these antiquated laws violate human rights and impose severe punishments that contradict the principles of justice enshrined in the Constitution.

Mufti underscored that while addressing security concerns in IIOJK, the Indian government must not disregard constitutional rights or undermine the rule of law.