*Questions selective permissions for pol visits
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 10: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat to expedite the investigation into the recent killings of three civilians in Kathua district.
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Addressing a press conference here today, Iltija expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the border district and criticized the selective permissions granted for political visits to the area.
Iltija, who had planned to lead a delegation to meet the families of the deceased, claimed that police prevented her visit citing security concerns. Questioning the rationale behind the move, she said, “We were planning to visit Billawar to meet the families of the three innocent victims but were not allowed by police. If they feel the atmosphere will get vitiated by our visit, then how were BJP leaders allowed to go there?” She further added that if the situation is deemed unsafe for PDP and Congress leaders, it raises questions about how it is safe for BJP leaders to visit the region.
The PDP leader also condemned the alleged manhandling of Independent MLA Bani, Rameshwar Singh, inside a hospital on Saturday night, calling it a worrying sign of the communalization of the situation. She appealed to LG Sinha and DGP Prabhat to ensure an impartial investigation that would uncover the truth and identify the culprits behind the killings.
Reflecting on a recent visit to Billawar, Iltija highlighted her meeting with the family of Makhan Din, who allegedly died by suicide following police torture in custody. “How can I avoid visiting the Hindu families who have lost their members? Hindus, Muslims, Pandits, Sikhs, Christians, and Buddhists are all our people,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for unity and justice for all communities.
Iltija also took the opportunity to criticize the Chief Minister over an “obscene” fashion show held recently at the popular ski resort of Gulmarg. She questioned the Chief Minister’s claim of having no knowledge of the event, pointing out that he holds the Tourism portfolio. “If he is unaware, it is a failure of his administration; if he knew, then it’s a deliberate oversight.
Furthermore, Iltija slammed the Chief Minister’s first budget, presented on March 7, accusing it of contradicting the party’s election manifesto, which promised welfare measures such as one lakh jobs for the youth and regularization of daily wagers. She alleged that the budget lacked provisions for these promises and failed to address the rising unemployment and economic distress in the region.
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