Srinagar, April 27 — Two Kashmir politicians raised concerns over the massive crackdown across the region, urging the Government of India to distinguish between civilians and militants.
While National Conference leader Ruhullah Mehdi said that Kashmir and Kashmiris are being given collective punishment, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti urged the GOI to distinguish between militants and civilians.
Mehbooba Mufti, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), cautioned against actions that could deepen civilian alienation.
"The Government of India must tread with caution and carefully distinguish between terrorists and civilians following the recent Pahalgam attack," she said.
"It must not alienate innocent people, especially those opposing terror. There are reports of thousands being arrested and scores of houses of common Kashmiris being demolished along with those of militants."
"I appeal to the Government to direct the authorities to take care that innocent people are not made to feel the brunt, as alienation aids terrorists’ goals of division and fear," reads her post.
It is pertinent to mention that since the Pahalgam attack, nine houses belonging to local militants have been blown up, causing widespread damage to surrounding neighborhoods and leaving many civilians homeless.
Moreover, mass raids and mass detentions continue across the region, with the brother of a jailed militant — described as an alleged OGW — killed in an encounter in Baramulla, North Kashmir. Protests were also reported following his killing
