Mehbooba Mufti slams closure of tourist spots, detention of locals after Pahalgam attack

SRINAGAR: J&K ex-CM and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticised Monday government’s decision to shut down dozens of tourist destinations across Kashmir valley and expressed concern over “widespread” detention of locals in the security crackdown following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.

“Our tourists are coming here showcasing immense bravery and to send a message that we aren’t scared, but when they see destinations like Aru valley and Chandanwari closed, it doesn’t look good,” Mehbooba said during a visit to Pahalgam, where she met several tourists. “We have security, deploy them there.”

Authorities have temporarily shut 48 of the 87 tourist resorts across Kashmir as a safety measure. Mehbooba accused the administration of deterring tourism instead of supporting it. “In these times when some tourists are visiting Pahalgam, instead of facilitating their entry, you have closed it,” she said.

She condemned the attack in Pahalgam and called for the harshest punishment for those responsible. “The people of Kashmir unanimously came out against this gruesome attack and unequivocally condemned it,” she said.

However, Mehbooba voiced alarm over the treatment of locals in the wake of the attack. “Shawl vendors, ponywallahs, tea-sellers, and others simply trying to earn a livelihood are being rounded up for questioning or detained,” she said.

Mehbooba alleged that they were being held for hours or entire days without food, then told to return for further questioning without being accused of wrongdoing.

She warned that the “widespread detentions” were fuelling resentment. “This kind of blanket criminalisation of locals not only alienates our people but also sows seeds of resentment and mistrust,” she said.

Mehbooba also criticised reports that some civilians who voluntarily presented themselves to assist investigators were labelled as “over ground workers” (OGWs) tied to terrorist groups. “These were poor men with no political or terrorist affiliations, simply trying to cooperate in good faith,” she said.

She appealed to government to respond with fairness and compassion. “Collective punishment of innocent civilians is not how a democratic society responds to tragedy,” Mehbooba said. “Accountability and security are important, but we must also uphold the dignity of innocent civilians.”

With the Amarnath Yatra approaching, Mehbooba urged Union home minister Amit Shah to provide financial assistance to ponywallahs, taxi operators, and other tourism-dependent workers whose livelihoods have been hit by the current crackdown. “These sectors form the backbone of Pahalgam’s economy and have been reeling under immense stress due to repeated disruptions,” she said.