Iltija prevented from addressing press conference in Jammu, alleges Mehbooba Mufti

Srinagar, Feb 09: Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today strongly criticized the detention of Iltija Mufti by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, accusing the authorities of criminalizing the act of visiting victims’ families to offer condolences.

In a post on X Mehbooba said: “Visiting and offering solace to the families of victims has now been criminalized. This is evident from the latest actions of the police, who have detained Iltija at the Circuit House in Jammu, preventing her from addressing a press conference”.

“This blatant disregard for our democratic rights as free citizens highlights a disturbing trend. It appears that the ruling party’s understanding of democracy extends only as far as holding elections and forming a government, with little regard for the fundamental freedoms that underpin a true democracy,” she said on X.

“Very unfortunate and ironical that one NC minister’s visit to Bilawer was facilitated by police and Iltija is being punished for the same,” Mehbooba added on X.