SRINAGAR: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized the use of the draconian Enemy Agents Ordinance against the people of Kashmir, calling it a serious violation of constitutional rights.
Mehbooba Mufti expressed these remarks after Indian police announced that Kashmiris, who are found supporting pro-freedom activists, will be dealt with the Enemy Agents Ordinance. This draconian law allows Indian police to arrest and prosecute innocent people of Kashm especially youth by declaring them sympathizers of pro-freedom activists, with punishments of up to 5 years of jail.
In a post on social media, she said, “[IIOJK] police’s recent decision of invoking the draconian Enemy Ordinance Act from the Maharaja’s era against [Kashmiris] on mere suspicion of abetting and aiding ‘militants’ is not only deeply concerning but a major breach of justice”.
Mehbooba Mufti maintained that these laws completely violate human rights and their severe punishments are totally incompatible with principles and values of justice enshrined in the Constitution.
She emphasized that the Indian government’s quest to address so-called security concerns in occupied Kashmir should not come at the cost of trampling constitutional rights and rejecting the rule of law.
