jammu: PDP leader Iltija Mufti today strongly criticized the administration over the recent killings of three civilians in Kathua district and the alleged selective restrictions imposed on political leaders.
Speaking to reporters, Iltija claimed that she was not allowed to visit the families of the victims in Billawar, while BJP leaders faced no such restrictions.
“I wanted to visit to Billawar to offer condolences to the families of the three civilians who were killed, but the police didn’t allow me. PDP leaders are stopped, while BJP leaders like Sunil Sharma are allowed—why this double standard?” she questioned.
The bodies of the three victims—Yogesh (32), Darshan (40), and Varun (14), reportedly cousins—were recovered from a river in the Inchhu forests of Kathua’s Malhar area on Saturday evening. A police officer confirmed their identities but did not disclose further details.
Mufti also expressed concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in the Kathua district, citing cases of alleged torture of youth during detention, including that of Makhan Din. “The atmosphere in Kathua is not good anymore. The communal tensions are rising, and young boys are being taken away under PSA and UAPA. Who is responsible for law and order in Kathua and Bilawar?” she asked.
Calling for an immediate inquiry, she urged the Lieutenant Governor and Director General of Police to act swiftly. “I appeal to the LG and DG to ensure a swift investigation. We wanted to visit the 14-year-old victim’s family in Bilawar, but we were not allowed,” she said.
Mufti also linked the controversy surrounding the Gulmarg fashion show to administrative failures, questioning how such an event took place without government knowledge. “Tourism comes under the Chief Minister. How did he allow this to happen? How was he unaware? The open consumption of alcohol was also reported at the event,” she added.
She further accused National Conference-led government of negligence. “All of this is happening right under their nose. How can they claim ignorance?”, Iltija added.