Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday flayed the government over extending detention of party President, Mehbooba Mufti and other senior political leaders, under Public Safety Act (PSA), terming it “vindictive” while reiterating that muscular approach will not work in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, a partyspokesman said even after being imprisoned for nine months since Jammu andKashmir was “plundered of its unique position,” the extension of the PSA forthree more months against the PDP President has hinted that government has somemore “dreadful developments in its kitty to shock already perturbed populacewith.”
“Otherwise there is no justification of extending the PSA ofMehbooba Mufti and other senior leaders for three more months amid theprevalent pandemic,” the spokesperson said. “By taking such undemocratic,unconstitutional, and unnatural measures, the government in actual is trying toshow its electorate how tough it is against Muslims and against Jammu andKashmir.”
He said such measures will have far-reaching consequencesand only increase alienation and frustration among people.
He said the PDP has aclear stand that ideas cannot be chained, banned, or killed and that indemocracy, ideas are allowed to flourish and not choked.
“It is ironic that by taking such undemocratic,unconstitutional and unnatural measures, the BJP still believes in the efficacyof these methods and are trying to repeat the old mistakes which will bemeaningless and will prove counterproductive,” said the party spokesman.
Meanwhile, senior PDP leader, Nizamuddin Bhat condemned thegovernment decision of extending detention of Mehbooba, Sartaj Madni, andNational Conference’s Ali Muhammad Sagar.