The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains a focal point, with recent developments highlighting the government's efforts to ensure stability and the concerns raised by various political figures. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a Unified Headquarters meeting to review the security landscape and preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra, while PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti cautioned against escalating tensions and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq criticized the ongoing arrests of youth in the region.
Sinha, in the Unified Headquarters meeting at Raj Bhawan, emphasized the need for intensified intelligence-led operations to neutralize terrorists and dismantle their support networks. He commended the forces for "Operation Sindoor" and urged all security agencies to ensure the safe conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9. The meeting included top officers from the Army, police, BSF, CRPF, intelligence agencies, and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, with discussions focusing on enhancing security measures along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
In contrast to the government's security focus, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti voiced concerns about civilian casualties and the destruction of homes. She challenged the narrative of military success, stating that "war is not an option, not even the last option," and advocated for resolving the Kashmir issue within the "ambit of humanity," drawing inspiration from Vajpayee's approach. Mufti called for declaring border villages affected by Pakistani shelling as "war-impacted regions" and demanded substantial compensation and rehabilitation support for the affected families. She lamented the situation where people are forced to ask for bunkers instead of schools and hospitals. Mufti has also demanded 'martyr status' for every innocent civilian who lost his or her life during the conflict.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hurriyat Conference chairman, criticized the detentions under the Public Safety Act (PSA), urging elected representatives to speak out against the targeting of youth. He argued that repeated arrests, even of those who have served their sentences, serve no justice and deepen the wounds of the people, fueling mistrust and anger. His comments followed the Srinagar police's announcement of detaining 23 alleged terrorist associates under PSA. Mirwaiz has also expressed deep concern over the continued arrests and harassment of Kashmiris, especially youth and has urged Indian authorities to immediately end this oppressive cycle and adopt lawful approach in dealing with the people of the occupied territory
These recent events underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with the government prioritizing security measures while political figures raise concerns about human rights and the impact of conflict on the civilian population.
