SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said that Director General of Police RR Swain should be held accountable for the ongoing terrorist incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.
Mufti’s comments were in response to the DGP’s statements made on Monday, which alleged that leaders of mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir frequently visit the homes of deceased terrorists and publicly express sympathy for their victims.
The DGP also stated that Pakistan had penetrated significant areas of civil society in Jammu and Kashmir during the period of terrorism, with political parties fostering relationships with terror network leaders for electoral benefits.
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Criticizing the DGP’s statements, Mufti questioned the actions taken by him and the central government over the past six years.
“Our soldiers are being killed daily at the border, and there has been no investigation by the government of India. Instead, they blame the mainstream parties,” Mehbooba Mufti remarked. “The government of India has been administering Jammu and Kashmir for the past six years, but what have they accomplished? They imprison innocent people, whether locals or journalists,” Mufti contended.
Further condemning the central government, Mufti said, “You are combating your citizens and claiming that terrorism is eradicated in the Valley.”
“They deny clearances and refuse passports to individuals,” she added. “The Home Minister and the Defence Minister should address the terror attacks and fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir and establish accountability.
The highest number of casualties have been reported since the appointment of the DGP,” Mehbooba Mufti stated.
“Locals, regional party leaders, and journalists are not protecting the borders. It is the government’s and the DGP’s duty to control terrorism at the border,” the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister declared.
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On Monday, DGP Swain remarked, “Pakistan successfully infiltrated key aspects of civil society, aided by so-called mainstream or regional politics in the valley. There is substantial evidence showing that many mastered the skill of running with the hare and hunting with the hound, leaving both civilians and security forces bewildered, scared, and confused.”
Swain noted that while it was permissible to eliminate terrorist recruits, those responsible for recruitment and organizing terrorist finances were never scrutinized. The DGP stated that Jamiat-i-Islami provided religious and ideological support to the terrorists.
“It was widely known that the Jamiat network not only sabotaged government efforts to stabilize the situation but also had a terror finance network that significantly contributed to mobilizing street protests,” he said.