Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has raised serious concerns regarding the response of security agencies in the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. Mufti has questioned the mass arrests and detentions, describing them as an "indiscriminate crackdown" that risks alienating the local population.

In a letter addressed to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Mufti highlighted the alarming figures of "over 3,000 arrests and nearly 100 Public Safety Act (PSA) detentions" following the attack. She argued that such measures appear to be a form of "collective punishment" rather than a focused investigation aimed at bringing the actual perpetrators to justice. Mufti asserted that a democratic and responsible society cannot accept such treatment of its own people. She has long maintained that the people of Kashmir have extended a hand of goodwill and it is now for the rest of the nation to respond in kind.

Mufti also criticized the decision to shut down dozens of tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley, arguing that it deters tourism instead of supporting it. She pointed out the contradiction of encouraging tourists to visit, showcasing bravery and sending a message that they aren't scared, while simultaneously closing destinations like Aru Valley and Chandanwari. She voiced alarm over the treatment of locals in the wake of the attack and stated that shawl vendors, pony wallahs, tea-sellers, and others simply trying to earn a livelihood are being rounded up for questioning or detained.

The PDP chief's concerns come against the backdrop of a recent incident involving the death of a 23-year-old man from Kulgam, who was found dead in a stream after being detained for questioning over alleged terror links. While police claim he jumped into the stream while trying to escape, his family has alleged custodial death, prompting Mufti to call for an impartial investigation into the incident. She stated that Kashmiris cannot be treated as collateral damage in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and that allegations of misconduct warrant a thorough impartial investigation.

Mufti urged Lieutenant Governor Sinha to intervene and put an end to the policy of arrests and punitive measures, ensuring the release of innocent individuals. She stressed the importance of justice but cautioned against actions that amount to mass retribution, potentially alienating families and communities.