Srinagar , September 24, 2025 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday urged that the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session must hold detailed discussions on the alleged misuse of the Public Safety Act (PSA), the sharp decline in tourism, and the heavy losses suffered by the horticulture sector.
Highway Closure & Horticulture Crisis
Mufti raised concerns over the prolonged closure of a key highway since early September, which has caused massive disruption to fruit growers.
-
“The Assembly should discuss the losses to the horticulture sector due to the closure of the highway. Omar Abdullah called Nitin Gadkari 20 days after the highway was closed. Why not earlier?” she asked.
-
She demanded clarity on whether the government will announce a relief package, waive farmer loans, or provide compensation for the growers’ losses.
Tourism Under Stress
Highlighting the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Mufti said the incident triggered a steep decline in arrivals, pushing locals dependent on tourism into despair.
Public Safety Act (PSA) Concerns
While acknowledging that the Omar Abdullah-led government lacks the power to repeal PSA, Mufti demanded a threadbare discussion in the Assembly on its alleged misuse.
-
Referring to the PSA detention of MLA Mehraj Malik, she remarked: “If an elected MLA can be booked under PSA for unparliamentary language, imagine the charges against ordinary people.”
-
She urged the government to extend legal aid to poor detainees unable to challenge their detentions.
Yasin Malik Case
Mufti also pressed for clarity on the incarceration of separatist leader Mohammad Yasin Malik, stressing it was not about supporting him politically but about honouring commitments made by government officials in the past.
-
“Yasin Malik renounced violence in 1994 following assurances from leaders and agencies. He met prime ministers, travelled to Pakistan, and even met Hafiz Saeed at the IB’s direction. If those assurances are disrespected, it will harm J&K, the country, and India’s credibility globally,” she stated.
-
She called on NSA Ajit Doval and former RAW chief A S Dulat to clarify Malik’s claims made in his affidavit before the Delhi High Court.
Legal & Moral Responsibility
Mufti stressed that the government must act with consistency and fairness:
-
“This is not about Yasin Malik as a person but about respecting the government’s word. If that is not honoured, it weakens trust domestically and internationally.”
