Srinagar, November 5, 2025 : PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said her Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the J&K High Court, seeking the transfer of J&K prisoners lodged in jails outside the Union Territory, was driven by humanitarian concerns to ease the suffering of their families.
Mehbooba said that despite repeated requests to authorities, the government has not provided accurate figures of detainees since 2019, but estimates suggest over 3,000–3,500 people are imprisoned outside J&K.
“Families have sold their property for legal battles. Many can’t even afford travel to meet their kin. We are not demanding release—only that they be shifted to J&K for fair access and dignity,” she said.
The former CM stressed that most of the prisoners are undertrials, and their families live in helplessness and despair, seeing them only for seconds on virtual court screens.
“I’ve written to the Home Minister, DGP, and Chief Secretary for details, but received no clarity,” she said.
Criticising Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s stance that the matter is “sub-judice,” Mehbooba questioned:
“Was Article 370 or statehood not sub-judice? Yet discussions were held. Why can’t we talk about our prisoners?”
Mehbooba said the move is not political but humanitarian, adding, “If Omar feels bad about that, what can I do?”
