'Kashmiri's shouldn't be punished collectively': Mehbooba on Delhi blast aftermath

Ganderbal, Nov 20: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former cheif minister Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday visited Babanagri Wangat in Kangan to offer condolences to the family of Bilal Ahmad Sangoo, the Ganderbal youth who lost his life in the recent blast outside the Red Fort in Delhi. She met the bereaved family, expressed solidarity with them and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, Mehbooba Mufti described the incident as tragic and distressing. She urged the government to extend all possible assistance to the victim’s family, noting that they were going through an extremely difficult period.

The PDP President said the involvement of certain individuals in any incident should never translate into collective punishment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She cautioned that innocent Kashmiris must not be subjected to harassment, intimidation or discrimination in different parts of the country following the Delhi blast.

Mehbooba Mufti appealed to the government to take concrete steps to safeguard Kashmiri students, workers and other individuals living outside the region. She said she hoped Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would raise the matter with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to ensure the rights, safety and dignity of Kashmiris are fully protected. [KNT]